Crime & Safety

Man Arrested for 2nd OUI After Crash

A Swampscott man was arrested for his second drunken driving offense Wednesday night.

 

A Swampscott man charged with driving with a blood alcohol level that was more than three times the legal limit Wednesday night was arrested on his second drunken driving offense following an accident on Atlantic Avenue.

Bradford Surner, 62, of 52 Humphrey St., Swampscott, pleaded not guilty Thursday in Lynn District court to charges of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol (second offense) and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

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At 9:20 p.m., police responded to a minor motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Atlantic and Ocean avenues. When officers arrived on scene, they reportedly noted that Surner appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

They reported that he appeared uneasy on his feet, had slurred speech and was unable to follow verbal commands, according to court documents.

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Surner reportedly told police he was heading home from viewing the fireworks at a local yacht club and had consumed two glasses of white wine earlier in the evening.

After failing a series of field sobriety tests, Surner reportedly submitted to a breathalyzer and registered a blood alcohol reading of .25, which is more than three times the legal limit.

Once back at the police station, Surner reportedly made repeated suicidal comments during the booking process and was transported by ambulance to Salem Hospital for a psychological evaluation.

A judge ordered Surner released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 17 for a pretrial hearing.


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