Prosecutors Say JP Man Stole A Delivery Car, Crashed it Twice

[Editor's note: The following is a press release from the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office.]

A thrice-convicted drunk driver was held on high bail for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, stealing a deliveryman’s car, and crashing it twice before being arrested just after midnight, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

Charles Rampino, 47, of Jamaica Plain was arraigned this morning in Dorchester District Court on a nine-count complaint charging him with assault and battery, larceny of a motor vehicle, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident causing personal injury, failing to stop for police, operating with a suspended license, and operating under the influence as a fourth offense.

Judge Michael J. Coyne set his bail at $75,000 cash, the amount recommended by Assistant District Attorney Peter Pasciucco.

Rampino allegedly assaulted his 36-year-old girlfriend at about midnight during a fight inside her Pearl Street home. When Boston Police arrived at the scene, they saw bruising on her hands and found her apartment in a shambles, allegedly at Rampino’s hands. The woman declined medical attention, but said Rampino had pushed her against the wall.

Conley urged victims of any crime, including domestic violence, to call 911 in an emergency. SafeLink, a statewide DV hotline, can be reached at 877-785-2020. SafeLink is answered by trained advocates 24 hours a day in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, as well as TTY at 877-521-2601. It also has the capacity to provide multilingual translation in more than 140 languages.

Just moments after that incident, other officers driving on Freeport Street saw a silver Jeep Cherokee with New York plates travelling at about 60 mph in a 30 mph zone. They activated their lights and sirens in an unsuccessful effort to stop him and began following him as he drove onto Route 93 southbound.

At about this time, the officers heard a radio broadcast for a carjacking on Pearl Street with the victim’s vehicle being the same make and model as the one they were chasing. The officers called in their observations and location.

As the cruiser and suspect vehicle approached the Gallivan Boulevard exit, the Cherokee first began to slow down and then accelerated rapidly while changing lanes. In light of the danger to other motorists, the officers disengaged their pursuit and fell back.

A short time later, the officers saw a black Lincoln Town Car with heavy body damage against the guardrail near the Granit Avenue exit. A short distance later, they saw the Cherokee, also against the guardrail.

As other units responded to assist the occupants of the Town Car, the pursuing officers took Rampino from the Cherokee.

“I’m shitfaced,” he allegedly said. “Sorry.”

Rampino declined to take a Breathalyzer test.

The Town Car, which Rampino rear-ended, was occupied by one driver and one passenger. Both were transported by ambulance to Boston Medical Center with neck and back pain. Their injuries were not life-threatening.

The rightful operator of the Cherokee said he was making a food delivery on Pearl Street and had left the keys in the ignition when he saw Rampino getting inside. He tried to pull Rampino out, at which point Rampino allegedly punched him in the face and drove away.

Rampino was represented by attorney Dianne Abdala. He will return to court on Aug. 22.

Rampino was convicted of robbery in 1995, according to Jake Wark of the District Attorney's office.