Drunk Driver Flees Car, Pulled from Freezing Burlington River: Police

An alleged OUI chase ended Friday night when police ordered a Gloucester man who tried to escape in a river out of the freezing waters, Bedford Police said Sunday.

Kevin B. Latraverse, 33, was charged with OUI liquor, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for a police officer, and speeding.

Police said that Friday night around 8:20 p.m., a Bedford Police Officer on patrol at 54 Middlesex Turnpike saw a vehicle speeding toward Burlington.

The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but Latraverse allegedly continued and a brief pursuit followed.

Latraverse allegedly weaved through traffic and blew a red light before pulling into the parking lot of Pure Hockey in Burlington. He then fled into the woods, police said.

Bedford and Burlington Police found Latraverse in the river behind Pure Hockey. Police ordered him from the water. He was then evaluated by the Burlington Fire Department and arrested by Bedford Police.

It dropped to about 20 degrees Friday night in Burlington, according to Accuweather.

"I want to commend the work of Bedford and Burlington Police Officers who worked diligently to find and pull this man from the frigid waters," Chief Robert Bongiorno said. "Their quick work likely prevented this man from getting hypothermia."

Latraverse was released on bail.