SALEM – A Lynn man charged with his fourth drunk driving offense was released on $5,000 cash bail with specific conditions, despite a prosecutor?s request that he be held without bail as a danger to the public.Assistant District Attorney Melissa A. Woodard asked Salem Superior Court Judge Howard J. Whitehead to hold Peter J. Cullen, 47, of 142 Fay Ave., Lynn, without bail, arguing the facts in the case, that he was convicted of three prior drunk driving charges while emphasizing that he “clearly has an alcohol problem,” and drives.Woodard said on April 18, around 2:30 p.m., police found Cullen slumped over in his Ford Aerostar minivan at the Cherry Hill Farm Creamery in Danvers. Police responded after receiving information concerning a vehicle was “all over the road” on Conant Street.Police said they smelled a strong odor of alcohol on him and Cullen was unsteady on his feet, had slurred speech and failed several sobriety tests.Inside the vehicle police found a Coke bottle half-filled with what was suspected to be alcohol, Woodard told Whitehead.Cullen previously was convicted of driving drunk in 1989, 1990 and 1996, Woodard stated as she asked he be held without bail.Defense lawyer Michael J. Callanan argued that Cullen has two children and works in a medical supply warehouse as he cited roots in the community.He pointed out to the judge that Cullen has no record of violence, never been in an accident for drunk driving and has been on probation and completed it successfully each time.Callanan also presented Whitehead with numerous character reference letters, which the judge cautiously read before reaching his decision.Callanan proposed that his client be ordered to have random screens as part of the conditions of release.In setting the $5,000 cash bail, Whitehead noted that Cullen?s last conviction was twelve-years ago.As part of the conditions of release the judge ordered Cullen not to use alcohol, consent to random alcohol and substance abuse tests, not drive and report three times a week to probation until his case is resolved.Cullen, who was bailed from the court, is due back in Salem District Court on May 20.
