Driver who caused Nahant crash misses court date

LYNN – A Rockport man who was allegedly driving drunk when he spun out a passing motorist and caused a violent crash that closed the Nahant causeway in March did not show up for a court hearing Thursday.Richard Mariano of 17 Highland St., Rockport, was due to appear in Lynn District Court Thursday to face charges of operating under the influence of alcohol and causing personal injury, OUI negligent operation and a marked lanes violation.A warrant has been issued for his arrest.Mariano, who according to court documents has had his license suspended several times since 1990, was allegedly drunk behind the wheel of his 1998 Lexus XE on March 22 when he crossed into the left lane of the causeway, hitting a Mercury Mountaineer driven by Nahant resident Linda Pesco.Both cars lost control and spun in to the concrete walls lining either side of the road and both drivers were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.Despite his claims that Pesco cut him off, officers ruled that the accident was Mariano’s fault and reported smelling alcohol on his breath.The accident closed the causeway for more than 30 minutes and prompted many 911 calls.