Wilmington Man Arrested for OUI After Driving Into Silver Line Tunnel

A Wilmington resident was arrested by MBTA Police for operating under the influence early Friday morning after he attempted to drive his car into a Silver Line tunnel. 

William Tilton, 58, of Wilmington was arrested by the Transit Police for OUI after he attempted to enter the Silver Line tunnel in South Boston early Friday morning, according to the MBTA.

Tilton was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol as a second or subsequent offense and improper operation of a motor vehicle.

Shortly before 1:00 a.m., MBTA Transit Police Officers responded to the D street portal of the Silver Line tunnel for a vehicle that entered through a bus-only right-of-way, crashing into a security barrier.

Officers found Tilton walking around a 2003 Buick Centry that was lodged on the barrier, according to MBTA police.

Tilton allegedly told police he had left the Bruins game and was instructed to take the bus-only path by a friend, according to prosecutors.  He also allegedly admitted to having two or three beers but told officers that he was not drunk, prosecutors said.

According to police, Tilton had an odor of alcohol about his person and he was unsteady on his feet. 

Tilton submitted to and failed a series of field sobriety tests.  His blood alcohol level was .15 – nearly twice the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle, prosecutors said.

Tilton was arraigned in Boston Municipal Court. Judge Michael Bolden released Tilton on his own recognizance with the condition that he remain alcohol-free.

Tilton has prior convictions for operating under the influence in 1983, 1988, and 1992.