Swampscott Teen Rolls SUV, Arrested for OUI

A local teen was arrested for drunken driving Tuesday night after he allegedly flipped an SUV on Essex Street while under the influence of alcohol and in possession of marijuana.

Thomas Ledbury, 17, of 251 Burrill St., Swampscott, pleaded innocent Wednesday in Lynn District Court to charges of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, possessing an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle and being a minor in possession of alcohol.

According to a report filed by officer Brendan Reen, at 9:03 p.m., responded to Essex Street after it was reported that a 2001 Ford Explorer had flipped and its roof was resting against the front porch of a nearby home.

Ledbury and two teenage passengers were reportedly uninjured in the rollover and refused medical attention at the scene.

In an additional report issued by officer Michael J. Frayler, the passengers admitted to having consumed several beers inside the vehicle before the crash. He also noted that he recognized Ledbury from "a similar accident where he was the operator back on Oct. 30."

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed five unopened beer cans and one open beer can in the center console, according to court documents.

Ledbury reportedly failed a series of field sobriety tests, submitted to a breathalyzer test and registered a blood alcohol level of .18, which is more than twice the legal limit.

He was later found to be in possession of less than an ounce of marijuana during the booking process, according to court documents.

Ledbury was released on his own recognizance and on the condition that he not drive. He is scheduled to reappear in court on Feb. 7 for a pretrial hearing.