PORTSMOUTH — A Barrington man police said was driving drunk faces several charges after an accident last Monday that sent a Westport man to the hospital.

The accident occurred just after midnight Tuesday, Aug. 24, at the intersection of West Main and Stringham roads. Police said Taylor Allen, 21, of Westport was stopped at a red light atop his 1998 Suzuki motorcycle when Alan Abren, 42, of 58 Cottage St., Barrington, failed to see the light and struck him from behind with his 1993 Pontiac Grand Prix.

An off-duty Portsmouth fireman saw the accident and attended to Mr. Allen's injuries until police and rescue crews arrived. Mr. Allen suffered from cuts, scrapes and other injuries, police said.

While investigating the crash, police said they smelled alcohol on Mr. Abren's breath; he subsequently failed sobriety tests, they said. He was subsequently charged with driving under the influence, failure to maintain proper control and driving without proof of insurance. A passenger in his car, who also appeared to be under the influence, was taken to the hospital for observation.BY TED HAYES

thayes@eastbaynewspapers.com