Boston Bruins: Ray Bourque Pleads Not Guilty
The 55-year-old former defenseman was arraigned this morning in Lawrence District Court after he and his lawyer requested to appear in court a day early.
Last Friday, Boston Bruins Hall of Famer Ray Bourque was arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated. He crashed his car into a minivan just before midnight on Friday night. An embarrassed Bourque issued a statement on the event on Sunday.
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“For the first time in my life, I find myself in unfamiliar territory. I am not happy about the situation I put myself into on Friday Night. I am a very proud person that accepts the responsibility of my actions and have always accepted being in the media eye. I have used this popularity to try and positively impact as many lives as possible. I am happy that no one was hurt in the accident and thank everyone who has reached out in support of my family and me. Please be patient as I go through this process and respect my family and my privacy. Thank you all for your understanding.”
Thankfully, no one was hurt in the crash.
“During the booking process I found Bourque cooperative and polite,” said Lieutenant Pathiakis of the Andover police force. “He questioned me many, many times about what happens if he takes or refuses the breath test. . . . During the entire time Bourque was present there was a strong odor of liquor coming from his breath, his speech was thick tongued, his eyes were red and glassy, and his face was red. It was my opinion that he was under the influence of liquor.”
The 55-year old Bourque was found to have a blood-alcohol content of .249, which is three times higher than the state requirement of .08.
Ray Bourque pleaded not guilty to all charges at today’s arraignment. Bourque’s next court hearing is scheduled for July 21. Per state law, Bourque’s license was suspended for 180 days for refusing the breathalyzer.