New Bedford Man Guilty of OUI Crash With Gun in Dartmouth

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A 22-year-old New Bedford man will serve up to 18 months in the Bristol County House of Correction for the unlawful carrying of a firearm in relation to a 2024 incident in which he crashed his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced that Craig Dias was convicted on Wednesday, February 11, after a jury trial in New Bedford District Court. The judge then handed down the 18-month sentence.

Dias was also charged with operating under the influence and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. He pleaded to those charges just before trial and received a guilty finding and a $500 fine by the Court.

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Dartmouth OUI Crash

The charges date back to October 14, 2024. At about 11:58 p.m., Dartmouth Police responded to a single-vehicle crash at 1374 Old Fall River Road. They arrived to find Dias standing on the side of the road and his vehicle crashed into the woods.

Officers Discover Signs of Intoxication

Police said Dias had bloodshot and glassy eyes, slurred speech, and smelled of alcohol. He told the officers he had consumed three shots of Casamigos tequila earlier in the evening. Police found three Casamigos nips in the driver’s door of his vehicle, and two empty bottles of Casamigos tequila under the driver’s seat.

Loaded Firearm Found in Vehicle

As officers searched his vehicle, they found a Glock 19 Gen 5 firearm loaded with 13 rounds of 9mm ammunition in a Nike fanny pack on the passenger front seat. A second magazine was located on the floor in front of the passenger seat loaded with 11 rounds, as well as a holster. Dias did not possess a license to carry.

Breath Test Shows High Alcohol Level

During booking, Dias consented to a breath test and blew a .20, more than double the legal limit.

“The defendant was highly intoxicated, involved in an accident and in possession of an illegal firearm. This is a recipe for disaster,” D.A. Quinn said.