Habitual Drunk Driver Held Without Bail After Starting New Year with a Splash

Photo: John Kellum, 42, of Melrose. Credit: Melrose Police Department.

A 42-year-old Melrose man who allegedly attempted to flee police while under the influence early Sunday morning by driving into the Malden River was arraigned Monday and held without bail, according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

John Kellum, who is facing his fifth operating under the influence charge, was arraigned in Malden District Court and ordered held without bail by Judge Emily Karstetter. He is due back in court Friday, Jan. 9.

According to authorities, Kellum led police on a chase from Spear Street in Melrose to the Malden River, at Medford Street in Malden, starting at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday. Kellum, who allegedly was drunk, drove his pickup truck at speeds up to 60 mph in residential neighborhoods, struck two parked cars, rammed a police cruiser, drove another cruiser off the road and knocked over mailboxes during the roughly three-mile pursuit, authorities said.

Once in the icy water, Kellum allegedly swam away from his rescuers, Malden firefighters, and taunted them.

Kellum is facing the following charges:

• Operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol (fifth offense)
• Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon – vehicle
• Reckless operation of a motor vehicle
• Operation of a motor vehicle with license suspended for OUI (subsequent offense)
• Leaving the scene of property damage from an accident (three counts)
• Failure to stop for police
• Use of a motor vehicle without authority

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