5th OUI Arrest For Man Named Beers

SOMERVILLE, MA – A Methuen man was arrested and charged with his fifth OUI in Somerville last week after allegedly passing out behind the wheel. William Beers, 45, was taken into custody shortly before 2:30 a.m. on April 12 at the corner of Bond Street and Broadway.

Police were called to the corner to check on a man allegedly passed out in his car in the middle of Bond Street. Police allegedly found Beers slumped forward in the driver's seat with the keys in the ignition and car running. The window was down, so officers attempted to roust him, according to the report.

After several attempts, Beers opened his eyes and allegedly began to speak in a slurred manner, police said. Police described a "strong" odor of alcohol emanating from him and said his eyes were dilated and glassy.

Police said Beers' behavior was "tumultuous" and he refused to answer any questions before allegedly spontaneously telling officers that he had been drinking.

"I'm a functioning alcoholic. Of course I was drinking and driving," Beers allegedly told police as he was guided out of the vehicle onto the ground and placed into handcuffs, according to the report.

Beers was charged with operating under the influence of liquor (fifth offense) and operating a motor vehicle while having a license suspended for OUI. He declined to take a breath test, police said.

While Beers was being booked, it was determined that the car he was driving had been reported stolen in Boston, police said. He received an additional charge of receiving a stolen motor vehicle.

Editor's Note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Somerville Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. Click this link to find out how to get a name removed from a Massachusetts Patch police report.

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