By Jim Clark

Patrolling officers spotted an erratically operating vehicle on the road in the early hours of last Sunday, and suspected that the operator might be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to reports.

Police said that the vehicle was swerving left and right and traveling at about 5 mph as it proceeded eastbound along Broadway.

The police unit activated its blue lights and siren at MacArthur St., but the pursued vehicle continued to move slowly along Broadway. Police continued signaling the driver, resorting to using their car horn in order to get the driver ahead to pull over.

The car eventually stopped at Cross St., and police officers approached the vehicle to question the driver. Officers noted what they believed to be the smell of alcohol on the driver’s breath as they asked him for his driver’s license and registration.

A woman and child were found to be passengers in the back seat.

The driver, Carlos Pineda, 35, of Everett, reportedly fumbled with his wallet and repeatedly stated that he had “friends in the Boston Police Dept.”

Pineda was advised that his alleged connections were irrelevant and was again asked for his license and registration, which he eventually produced, police said.

Officers also reported that they spotted an unopened bottle of beer on the floor of the front passenger area of the car.

Pineda was given standard field sobriety tests and it was determined that he was operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor. He was placed under arrest and charged accordingly. The car was towed away.