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Driver Had 12 Beers Before Turning Stoneham Neighborhood Into 'War Zone,' Prosecutors Say

WOBURN (CBS/AP) – The driver accused of turning a Stoneham neighborhood into a "war zone" over the weekend pleaded not guilty to drunk driving charges Monday.

Ryan Carney, 22, of Woburn, was arraigned in Woburn District Court a day after police said he drove drunk down William Street taking down four utility poles, knocking out power in a neighborhood and forcing a road to be shut down.

stoneham crash
The damage on William Street in Stoneham Sunday. (WBZ-TV)

Prosecutors said Carney had approximately 12 beers before the crash. They described the scene to the judge Monday as a "war zone."

Fire Chief Matthew Grafton said it's the most damage he's ever seen from a single-vehicle crash.

No one was hurt in the incident.

Carney's attorney disputed that his client had 12 beers. A relative said he hadn't been drinking.

Ryan Carney
Ryan Carney in Woburn District Court Monday. (WBZ-TV)

The judge ordered Carney to stay away from alcohol, submit to random screenings and not drive without a valid license.

He was released on personal recognizance.

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.) 

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