Billerica Man Arraigned on OUI 8th charge

A Billerica man has been arraigned on an 8th charge of operating under the influence of alcohol as well as numerous additional charges, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan informed the public today.

Guy Patierno, 62, of Billerica was arraigned in Ayer District Court on charges of operating under the influence of alcohol, 8th offense, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle with a license suspended for operating under the influence, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, subsequent offense, failure to identify oneself, possessing a counterfeit Registry of Motor Vehicles document, resisting arrest and carrying a dangerous weapon.

Following a 58A dangerousness hearing, Ayer District Court Judge Michael Brooks ordered the defendant held without bail.

The defendant’s next court date is June 12 for a pretrial hearing.

“We allege that this defendant was intoxicated and driving in a dangerous manner, with no license since it had been suspended for life because of a lengthy history of similar behavior,” District Attorney Ryan said.  “Impaired driving poses a serious danger to anyone who shares the road with a driver who has had too much to drink.  We are committed to holding accountable those who endanger others in this way.”

According to authorities, on May 11, at approximately 8:30 p.m., a Boxborough police officer who was monitoring traffic on Route 495 allegedly saw a white van that was speeding, passing other traffic unsafely, and causing other drivers to have to brake sharply to avoid a collision.  The defendant was the driver of the car.  When the officer stopped the car and approached the defendant, he observed that he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.  The defendant provided the officer with a name and date of birth that was not his own, and when officers attempted to arrest him, he did not comply.

When the defendant’s car was inventoried, officers allegedly found numerous empty nip bottles of whiskey, a partially empty beer bottle, and a “blackjack” weapon.  The inspection sticker on the car was counterfeit.

It is alleged that on May 11, the defendant’s license had previously been suspended for life, due to numerous prior convictions for operating under the influence of alcohol.

These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney Katherine Hartigan. The prosecutor who handled the 58A hearing is Katherine Briggs.