Woburn Driver in Stoneham Crash Allegedly Admitted to a Dozen Beers

STONEHAM, MA -- The scene early Sunday morning on William Street in Stoneham was described by prosecutor Jason Lederman as "a war zone.''

Stoneham police allege that Ryan T. Carney, 22, of 3 Mawn Drive, Woburn, was driving drunk at 12:43 a.m. when he crashed his car resulting in four destroyed utility poles, a road closure and power outages.

In Woburn District Court on Monday, Carney was released on personal recognizance after pleading not guilty to operating under the influence of alcohol and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

As conditions of his release, Judge David Frank ordered that Carney abstain from alcohol, submit to random screens and not drive without a valid license.

He is scheduled for a pretrial conference on May 21.

Stoneham Police and Fire Department responded at 12:43 a.m. to William Street after receiving multiple 911 calls about a serious motor vehicle crash. When first responders arrived they found three utility poles down and another heavily damaged and leaning. There were also wires strewn about the roadway.

Officers also found two males near a residential fence at the intersection of William Street and Alden Avenue. Nearby was a 2009 Acura MDX wedged between a damaged utility pole, a rock, and the fence. A wheel and tire had come off the vehicle and separated. They were located several feet away from the rest of the Acura. At least one other vehicle was damaged in the crash.

Stoneham Fire Chief Matthew Grafton said, "This is the most widespread amount of damage I have seen from a single-vehicle crash in my career."

The two men were evaluated and declined medical treatment. Carney was identified as the driver and the other male, Eric M. Sullivan, 22, of 29 Allen St., Woburn was in the passenger seat, police said. Sullivan faces no charges. The two men were evaluated and declined medical treatment. In court, Carney had scratches on his face - likely from the deployment of an airbag.

Police allege that Carney's speech was slurred, his eyes were bloodshot, and he had a strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath.

Carney declined to perform field sobriety tests because "he knew he would not pass,'' police wrote. Officers determined he was under the influence, and he was placed under arrest after being evaluated by emergency medical personnel.

Lederman said officials learned that Carney allegedly began drinking at 2 p.m., more than eight hours before the crash. At the booking desk, Carney allegedly admitted to police that he had a dozen beers and had his last beer less than an hour before the crash. Defense attorney George Panas said his client denies making such an admission.

The only charge listed on Carney's record is a charge of underaged person in possession of alcohol. Panas noted the charge was dismissed and there is nothing else on his record.

As a result of the crash, there were power outages in the neighborhood and utility crews had to replace the downed poles. The roadway was closed for most of Sunday.

No residents were injured.

"This is a very serious incident in which, once again, a person has too much to drink and gets behind the wheel of a motor vehicle," Police Chief James McIntyre said. "The result was an incredibly destructive crash, but somehow no one was serious injured today. We are grateful for that."

Grafton praised the work of first responders during the incident and afterward.

"The clean-up process is complex and multifaceted, with utility poles, wires, and damaged vehicles that must be dealt with," Grafton said. "We will go through this process methodically to ensure the safety of all first responders and residents in the neighborhood, and we appreciate everyone's patience as this work is ongoing."

Photo of Ryan T. Carney by Lisa Redmond/lisa.redmond@patch.com.

Courtesy photos of the crash scene.