Police say Michael Petterson, 35, of Dracut was pulled over on Route 6 over Jan. 20 while driving erratically

By Madeleine List
Posted Feb. 10, 2016 at 2:00 AM
Updated Feb 10, 2016 at 6:38 AM 

HYANNIS — A federal law enforcement officer pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Barnstable District Court to drunken driving and carrying a firearm while intoxicated in connection with his arrest on the Cape last month, according to court documents.

Michael Petterson, 35, of Dracut, was arraigned on charges of operating under the influence, second offense; negligent operation of a motor vehicle; marked lanes violation; and carrying a firearm while intoxicated.

State police troopers arrested Petterson at around 1:30 a.m. Jan. 20 after pulling him over for driving erratically near Exit 6 on Route 6 eastbound, according to a police report. After pulling him over, officers noticed Petterson’s eyes were glassy and bloodshot and that he smelled of alcohol, according to the report. Petterson declined to participate in field sobriety tests, the report says.

Peterson told the troopers he had a firearm and showed them its location stuffed between the passenger seat and the center console, according to the report. In the trunk of the car, troopers also found a ballistic vest, three fully loaded magazines and 37 rounds of ammunition, the report says.

Petterson told a trooper he was on his way to Dracut from Fall River, according to the report.

“When asked if he knew where he was he said he was in Stoughton on Route 24,” the trooper wrote. Petterson said he didn’t have anything to drink, according to the report.

Petterson has been a law enforcement officer with the Department of Homeland Security since 2006, according to his online LinkedIn page.

He is scheduled to appear in court for a trial on Feb. 19, according to court documents.

Petterson’s lawyer, Drew Segadelli, said his client is a veteran and a hero.

“I want to get him into court and prove his innocence as soon as possible,” Segadelli said.

— Follow Madeleine List on Twitter: @madeleine_list.