Dartmouth Man Charged with DUI in Fatal New Bedford Crash

Patrick Coelho, 37, was arraigned this past Tuesday on Massachusetts Drunk Driving Charges after a crash with a motorcycle resulted in the death of the driver. Coelho was charged with Motor Vehicle Homicide; Operation of a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol, 4th Subsequent Offense; Leaving the Scene of an Accident After Causing Death; and Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle.

According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, Patrick Coelho was allegedly drove threw two red lights and was following several cars too closely when he then struck a motorcycle driven by Michael A. Powers. Dartmouth Police officers reported that witnesses allegedly observed Coelho was trying to make a pass when he collided with the motorcycle. After allegedly striking the motorcycle, Coelho allegedly failed to stop, and witnesses claimed that the driver of the motor cycle was atop of the car while the vehicle dragged the motorcycle beneath it.

Patrick Coelho was on foot when he was apprehended by Dartmouth Police, and reportedly denied that he was driving any vehicle that night. Prosecutors allege, however, that Coelho had a set of Mercedes car keys on him and was holding two Vodka ‘nips’. He also allegedly failed Field Sobriety Tests and had a reading of 0.19% after submitting to a Breathalyzer Test.

Following his arraignment on Massachusetts OUI / DUI Charges, Patrick Coelho was held without bail pending a Dangerousness Hearing.

Boston DUI Lawyer Lefteris K. Travayiakis is available 24/7 for consultation on all Massachusetts Drunk Driving Charges, including OUI 4th Offense and Vehicular Homicide.

To schedule a Free Consultation, Click Here to Contact a Boston OUI Lawyer or call 617-325-9500.

Attorney Lefteris K. Travayiakis may also be reached at lefteris@travayiakis.com.

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