Lynn cops deal with bizarre OUI

LYNN – It’s safe to say an unlicensed operator’s Sunday drive on Essex Street probably involved alcohol after he crashed into three cars then got of his vehicle, laid face-down on the sidewalk and vomited on himself moments later.Ernesto Rodriguez, 35, of 380 Essex St. #1, Lynn, was arrested on several motor vehicle violations – including operating under the influence – after allegedly leaving a path of destruction on Essex Street and Essex Court about 1:30 p.m. Sunday.When police arrived, officers found Rodriguez lying face down near Wayne Alarm on Essex Street while surrounded by a group of bystanders. He had just crashed into three vehicles and a fence before he exited his car, walked approximately 75 feet and collapsed on the ground.Rodriguez allegedly told police, “The cars were coming at him,” when he crossed a double yellow line and struck another vehicle head-on. The victim, a 50-year-old Broad Street woman, was extricated from the car by the fire department because she was trapped.After the crash, witnesses say a passenger in Rodriguez’s car jumped out and ran away. Meanwhile, Rodriguez stumbled in a haze toward Joyce Street before being stopped by onlookers.Moments earlier, Rodriguez allegedly struck a woman’s vehicle on Essex Court while the driver was inside the car. He then backed up and drove away, police said.Police say Rodriguez vomited on himself in the cruiser after being taken into custody, and threw up several times at the police station.When Rodriguez was asked to recite the alphabet, he responded, “A-B-C-D? F-8,” police said.The Guatemalan native did not have a valid driver’s license. He was charged with unlicensed operation, leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury, reckless operation, a marked lanes violation, OUI liquor and five counts of leaving the scene of an accident with property damage.Rodriguez was arraigned Monday in Lynn District Court, where Judge James Lamothe released him on personal recognizance. Lamothe ordered the unlicensed operator not to drive.Rodriguez is due back in court May 19 for a pre-trial hearing.