Former MBTA Bus Driver Arraigned on OUI Charges After Friday Crash

A former MBTA bus driver has been arraigned on charges in connection with allegedly operating a MBTA bus while under the influence of alcohol, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today.

John McCarthy, 61, of Somerville, was arraigned today in Somerville District Court on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor, and illegal possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

Somerville District Court Judge Maurice Flynn ordered the defendant to be released on personal recognizance with the condition that he does not drive without a valid driver’s license. His next court is February 28 for a pretrial conference.

According to authorities, on Friday Jan. 21, at approximately 5:36 pm, Somerville police responded to the intersection of McGrath Highway, Somerville Ave., and Medford St. for reports of an MBTA bus that had struck a car. The defendant is alleged to have struck a vehicle that had been stopped at a red light at the intersection of Medford St. and McGrath Highway. 

Upon arrival, police located the defendant who was sitting in the driver’s seat of the bus. Authorities alleged that upon entering the bus, the officers observed the defendant’s eyes to be glassy and glazed over, with an odor of alcohol emanating from his breath and clothing.

It is alleged that the defendant had difficultly putting the bus into park and shutting off the engine. Authorities also alleged that when the defendant got out of his seat to exit the bus, he stumbled and had difficulty maintaining his balance. 

A responding officer conducted a field sobriety test on the defendant. Following the test, coupled with the observations by the officers, the defendant was placed under arrest. An open bottle of liquor was allegedly found in the defendant’s coat pocket.

These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney Ceara Mahoney.