Massachusetts Woman Accused of Driving Van Drunk

A Dracut, Mass., woman has pleaded not guilty to charges that she was drunk when she crashed a van transporting special needs adults in Billerica last week.

Melissa Rich pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Lowell District Court to charges including operating under the influence of alcohol causing serious injury and speeding. She was released on personal recognizance.

Police the 21-year-old woman was driving 60 miles per hour in a 30 mph zone Oct. 5 when she crashed through two mailboxes, split a utility pole, hit a boulder and went airborne before crashing into the concrete staircase in front of home. All three passengers in the van required medical attention.

Police say Rich’s blood-alcohol level was above the legal limit.

The Sun of Lowell reports that her lawyer says Rich passed field sobriety tests.