Medford Man Charged With Drunk Driving In Somerville

MEDFORD, MA – A Medford man faces drunk and reckless driving charges in Somerville after he was pulled over for speeding in a school zone and running a red light and stop sign, police said. Officers stopped a black Dodge Charger with New Hampshire license plates on July 15 after it sped through a stop sign on Willow Avenue and did not stop at a light before turning onto Broadway, according to the police report.

The car pulled over after driving down Josephine Avenue and turning onto Kidder Avenue, and the driver, 39-year-old Peter McIlroy, allegedly started to get out as police approached, the report stated. He was ordered back in the car but attempted to leave several times as he spoke to the officer, police said.

McIlroy allegedly smelled of alcohol and had glassy eyes and slurred speech. He told police the car belonged to his girlfriend and he did not know he was driving fast. It took him two tries to find the switch to turn off the car, according to police.

McIlroy was ordered out of the car but refused to take part in a field sobriety test, police said. He was told if he did not participate in the test he would be charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, according to the report. McIlroy asked several times if he could contact his lawyer and was told he would be able to call his lawyer when he got to the station.

He did not understand the answer and accused police of harassing him while he was walking home, the report stated. He refused to take a blood alcohol test at the station and was allegedly uncooperative.

McIlroy was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, disregarding a traffic control signal (two counts), reckless driving and speeding (55 mph in a 20 mph zone).

Editor's Note: This story was written using information provided by the Somerville Police Department. An arrest does not imply a conviction.

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