Accused Drunken Driver in Chelmsford Crash Gets New Court Date

LOWELL - A 36-year-old Nashua man is scheduled to return to court in April facing his third drunken-driving offense after he allegedly crashed into a Chelmsford business last July.

In Lowell District Court on Monday, Dennis A. Connors Jr., of 20 Kinsley St., Nashua, N.H., requested an April 24 motion/status date on charges of operating under the influence of alcohol - third offense and leaving the scene of property damage in connection with the July 17, 2016 crash.

Connors remains free on personal recognizance on the conditions that he abstain from alcohol, submit to random screens and do not drive without a valid license.

Connors has prior drunken-driving arrests in 1998 and 2000.

Chelmsford police allege that at 7 p.m. on July 17, 2016, officers responded to Traveling Rhino & Friends at 2 Central Square after a witness reported that a car crashed into the building. The witness told police the driver of the black Chevrolet Tahoe drown down the rear parking lot, took a sip from a red Solo cup, and backed into fence and then "peeled out'' hitting the building before driving off.

Police stopped the damaged vehicle on North Road. As officers approached Connors they noted a strong odor of alcohol although Connors allegedly told police, "I've only had one drink and I'm fine.''

Connors allegedly failed field sobriety tests and refused a Breathalyzer test.

In his vehicle, police found an empty bottle of rum, some nip bottles and red cup on the passenger seat.