A 60-year-old man with a history of arrests for driving under the influence is being held without bail after he appeared in an Auburn courtroom Friday morning unable to stand, 10 hours after what police say is his 11th such arrest.
David Silvestri had to be helped into the courtroom. With his lawyer’s jacket over his head, he was unable to stand.
Auburn police say this is Silvestri's 11th operating under the influence offense, but the judge was able to confirm only four prior convictions.
“For probable cause purposes, I believe there is enough for at least four offenses,” said Andrew D’Angelo of Worcester District Court.
Prosecutors outlined a long history of DUI and OUI charges in court Friday. Eight of those are from out of state in Texas and Florida, while three, including the most recent arrest, are from Massachusetts.
On Thursday night, an officer saw a Jeep without its headlights on traveling close to 20 miles under the speed limit on Southbridge Street, according to court documents.
After a brief pursuit, the car was pulled over. The officer reported a strong smell of alcohol from inside.
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The driver told the officer when asked that he was coming from a bar, prosecutor Mark McShara said.
Silvestri was unable to say which bar he came from, but said he had only had two or three beers, McShara said.
Police said Silvestri was unable to perform any field sobriety tests or pass a Breathalyzer, and prosecutors described bizarre behavior during his arrest.
“The defendant indicated he had lost several fingers, but the officer was able to observe all 10 of the defendant’s fingers. There didn't appear to be any issues,” said McShara.
Silvestri's attorney did request a competency evaluation for his client.
The judge sided with the prosecution and ordered he be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.
“The Commonwealth does not believe there are any conditions short of the defendant's detention that can secure the safety of the community,” said McShara.
