Police: Drunken driver on 5th OUI offense ran from scene in Lynn

LYNN – A repeat drunken driver who crashed his car into a telephone pole Saturday on Euclid Avenue and was helped out through a car window by several bystanders had the audacity to run away from the accident scene on foot, police said.Richard Legault, 49, of 111 Range Ave., Lynn, was later found allegedly hiding on Wentworth Place, a dead-end street, covered in snow and glass about 2 a.m. Saturday. Police arrested and charged him with operating under the influence of alcohol (fifth offense) and leaving the scene of an accident.Legault was arraigned Monday from a Mass. General Hospital bed after complaining of an arm injury. Lynn District Court Judge Michael Lauranzano ordered Legault held without bail until a Feb. 9 hearing for being a danger to the public.Legault initially denied having driven the car and claimed he was out for a walk when “someone must have stolen” his car, according to a police report.The report said a Eutaw Avenue resident heard the crash and went outside his home to see Legault crawling out of the driver’s side window with the assistance of several bystanders.The witness said “the party (Legault) then fled the scene running down Euclid Avenue to Peary Avenue toward Magnolia Avenue. He said Legault was the only person in the vehicle at the time,” a police report said.Police said that once Legault was at the police station he admitted to the accident without any provocation.”I know I hit something and I have been drinking,” Legault allegedly said.