CHELMSFORD — Chief Colin Spence reports that the Chelmsford Police Department arrested a 40-year-old man twice in 77 hours on operating-under-the-influence charges.
CESAR De SOUSA COUTINHO, 40, of LOWELL, faces a number of charges from the two incidents, including
- Operating Under the Influence of Liquor (2 Counts)
- Marked Lanes Violation
- Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle
- Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Operating After License Suspension
COUTINHO was arrested for the first time on Wednesday, July 24. A police officer monitoring traffic on Littleton Road around 9:15 p.m. observed a 2014 black GMC Terria pass by with no headlights or taillights on, only its hazard lights on. The officer pursued the vehicle and pulled it over. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer discovered the driver, identified as COUTINHO, allegedly had glassy eyes and a strong odor of alcohol. A small bottle of alcohol was resting on the passenger’s seat.
COUTINHO was taken by police to the Chelmsford Police station, where he was booked and charged with Operating Under the Influence of Liquor, Marked Lanes Violation, Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle, and Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle.
COUTINHO was arraigned in Lowell District Court on July 25. He was released on personal recognizance and his license was suspended.
Around 2 a.m. on Sunday, July 28, another officer encountered the same black GMC Terria in the area of Chelmsford Street and Central Square. The vehicle, driven by COUTINHO, remained stopped at a blinking red light for more than 15 seconds, then abruptly hit a curb after moving forward. An officer pulled over the vehicle, where COUTINHO allegedly showed signs of intoxication. The officer also discovered that COUTINHO’s license had been suspended after his July 24 arrest.
COUTINHO was again arrested and this time charged with Operating Under the Influence of Liquor and Operating After License Suspension.
COUTINHO was arraigned in this case on July 29. At his arraignment bail, 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 next court date in both cases is September 12, 2024.
These are allegations. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.