A Salem man was arrested for a Massachusetts hit-and-run crash after a Pelham traffic officer noticed heavy damage to the front of the man’s car.

Traffic officer Matt Keenliside was helping the Pelham Fire Department direct traffic on Windham Road when he observed a car attempting to turn into the Pelham Terrace. The car appeared to have fresh heavy front-end damage.

Upon conducting a license check, the driver was identified as John P. Flanagan Jr., 54, of Salem, and he was arrested after his license was determined to be suspended.

When asked about the damage to the front of his vehicle, Flanagan said his car had been stolen earlier in the day. He said it was involved in a crash and he recovered the car himself.

Police sent a message to surrounding police departments regarding the fresh damage and the possibility that Flanagan may have been involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Massachusetts State Police contacted Pelham, saying the car fit the description of a hit-and-run that took place on I-93 north in the area of Exit 45. Flanagan was subsequently charged with operating to endanger and leaving the scene of an accident.

According to police, Flanagan seemed to be under the influence of drugs during the arrest process. While being evaluated, Flanagan admitted to have snorted heroin prior to getting into the accident. He was charged with operating after suspension and driving under the influence of drugs.

Flanagan is scheduled to appear in the Salem District Court on Feb. 9.