LAWRENCE, MASS. (WHDH) - Former Boston Bruins star Ray Bourque has pleaded not guilty to a drunken driving charge.
Bourque was charged Friday with operating under the influence of alcohol after his Mercedes-Benz rear-ended a minivan in an Andover construction zone. No one was hurt.
The 55-year-old Bourque entered his plea Monday in Lawrence District Court.
According to police, Bourque blew a .249, three times the legal limit. Authorities say he told police he had “a few drinks” at the Andover Country Club.
Bourque was originally scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday, but his lawyer asked for it to be moved up.
Yoko Hagiya, a mother of one of the teens who was in the car, said the crash could have been worse.
Bourque issued a statement Sunday, thanking fans for the support and asking for privacy after he was arrested on OUI charges:
“For the first time in my life, I find myself in unfamiliar territory. I am not happy about the situation I put myself into on Friday Night. I am a very proud person that accepts the responsibility of my actions and have always accepted being in the media eye. I have used this popularity to try and positively impact as many lives as possible. I am happy that no one was hurt in the accident and thank everyone who has reached out in support of my family and me. Please be patient as I go through this process and respect my family and my privacy. Thank you all for your understanding. Sincerely, Ray”
The Bruins said they have no comment on the arrest and have no plans to release a statement.
Bourque was drafted by the Bruins in 1979 and played 21 seasons with the team before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 2000. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004.
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)