Local News

Lowell man arrested on OUI charges twice in 3 days

The man is facing numerous charges from the two incidents.

July 31, 2024

1 minute to read

A 40-year-old man was arrested twice in 77 hours for allegedly driving drunk in Chelmsford last week, police say.

Cesar De Sousa Coutinho of Lowell was first arrested on July 24 when a police officer observed a 2014 black GMC Terria pass by with only its hazards on, according to a statement from the Chelmsford Police Department.

An officer approached the vehicle, reporting that he found Coutinho, with “glassy eyes and a strong odor of alcohol,” sitting next to a small bottle of alcohol on the passenger’s seat.

Coutinho was arraigned in Lowell District Court on July 25 and released on personal recognizance and his license was suspended, according to the statement.

At roughly 2 a.m. on July 28, another officer saw the same vehicle in the area of Chelmsford Street and Central Square, which remained stopped at a blinking red light for over 15 seconds before it “abruptly hit a curb,” authorities said.

The department said an officer pulled over the vehicle and found Coutinho, who allegedly was showing signs of intoxication, and uncovered his suspended license.

Coutinho was then arrested for a second time.

Coutinho is facing numerous charges from the two incidents, including operating under the influence of liquor, marked lanes violation, possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and operating after license suspension, police said.

At Coutinho’s second arraignment on July 29, the judge ordered him released on personal recognizance and set conditions that he “not drive, not consume any alcohol, and submit to alcohol screening four times a day,” the statement said.

The next court date in both cases is Sept. 12.