Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curtis Leskanic is facing charges of child neglect without harm and of driving under the influence after a recent arrest. The 44-year-old former-baseball player was pulled over with, what police say was, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .331, which is more than four times the legal limit, according to Mass Live.
His BAC was so high that officials made him check into a hospital before being arrested and booked. Officers found the man allegedly passed out behind the wheel of his pickup truck on the roadway. His 5-year-old daughter was asleep as well in the vehicle and was not properly restrained. According to records, the child has been handed over to a family member.
With the holiday season approaching, we understand that the number of drunk driving incidents will be increasing significantly. With Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and the rest of the year-end’s celebration, residents will be venturing out to visit friends and family members. Unfortunately, many of these gatherings involve alcohol and many will fail to find a responsible and safe ride home, which is why we see the number of drunk driving accidents in Massachusetts skyrocket during this time of year.
Our Boston drunk driving accident attorneys ask that everyone enjoys the rest of the year and the holiday season, but to do it safely. There’s no reason for anyone to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Every little bit impairs a driver’s ability to safely navigate the roadway. When intoxicated people take the wheel, lives are lost in gruesome traffic accidents.
The former pitcher played more than 10 seasons between Boston, Kansas City, Milwaukee and Colorado. He had a 50-34 won-loss record and played his last season with Boston, pitching for the World Series is 2004.
The arrest report stated:
-Officers were notified about a pickup that was swerving all over the roadway. The 7:30 p.m. call specified that there was a young female in the passenger seat.
-When the responding officer combed the area for the reported vehicle, he found it stopped at an intersection even though the traffic light for the truck was green.
-The officer tried to wake up Leskanic two times. The officer reported that the man was hunched over in the driver’s seat like he was sleeping.
-Instead of handing over his driver’s license, Leskanic gave the officer his scout identification card that is used in Major League Baseball.
-The officer conducted a number of roadside sobriety checks. Leskanic failed all of them.
-When the pitcher was arrested, he started yelling at the officer.
-In all DUI cases, specialists take two blood-alcohol tests. The former star took the first one but refused the second.
-During the transport from the hospital to the local jail, the man continued to yell and swear at officers.
As the holiday season approaches and intoxicated drivers start seeping onto our roadways, we ask all responsible motorists to keep an eye out for these irresponsible individuals. Defensive and alert driving habits are important during this time of year.
If you believe you’ve spotted a drunk driver on our roadways, you’re asked to call local authorities with the location, direction the vehicle is moving, make, model and color of the vehicle. Reporting a drunk driver can help to save lives on or roadways. Stay sober, stay safe and stay alert this holiday season.
If you, a family member or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a drunk driver in Boston or in any of the surrounding areas, contact the drunk-driving accident lawyers at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 877-617-5333.
Additional Resources:
Former Red Sox pitcher Curtis Leskanic arrested for DUI with blood alcohol level more than four times legal limit, by Jason Remillard, Mass Live
More Blog Entries:
Drunk Driving Accident in Stoughton Kills 1, Injures 2 — Officials Push for Harsher Penalties, Boston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Blog, September 30, 2011
Drunk Driver in Boxborough Receives Sixth DUI Charge, Boston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Blog, September 27, 2011