Prosecutor: Drunk Driver Tossed Beer Cans After Hitting Mother, Girls In Salem

SALEM (CBS) – An accused drunk driver was ordered held on $2,500 bail Monday, a day after police said he hit a mother and her daughters before driving off.

Dexter Mitchell, 52, of Beverly, pleaded not guilty to OUI serious injury, leaving the scene of personal injury and failing to yield at his arraignment in Salem District Court.

The prosecutor said Mitchell was drunk when he drove through the intersection of Bridge and Washington streets around 8 p.m. Sunday, hitting a mother and her twin 10-year-old daughters.

Police said an emergency room nurse was driving behind Mitchell at the time of the crash and she saw one of the girls fly over the hood of Mitchell's car.

The mother and her daughters were rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital with serious injuries.

The prosecutor told the court Mitchell threw a partially empty 12-pack of Budweiser from his car into a dumpster after the crash.

According to the police report, he walked up to officers after the accident and admitted that he'd hit the mother and the girls.

He had "glassy eyes" and failed a field sobriety test, according to the prosecutor.

However, Mitchell's attorney claims there is no evidence that Mitchell was driving dangerously and noted that he admitted his culpability.

Mitchell is a para-professional who works with special needs students and has no criminal record, according to his lawyer.

The mother and her daughters are from North Attleboro and were in Salem for Halloween celebrations Sunday.

According to the police report, they were walking into downtown to get a stuffed animal they had left behind when they were hit in the crosswalk.

Prosecutors wanted Mitchell held on $10,000 bail, but the judge settled on $2,500.

"It's just unfortunate that something like this happened.  The crowds are a concern for us and people out there should be extra careful driving.  We will be very vigilant as to who is doing what tonight," Salem Police Captain Conrad Prosniewski told WBZ-TV.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports