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Melissa Bell, a former meteorologist at WBZ-TV who now freelances for FOX 25, was arraigned in Brighton District Court today on a charge of driving under the influence. Bell was arrested at 1:35 a.m. Friday after nearly hitting a State Police cruiser while speeding and weaving on Soldiers Field Road. According to the police report, Bell appeared "completely incoherent" and "highly intoxicated" after being pulled over by Trooper Paul Conneely. The 39-year-old forecaster, whose name is listed as Melissa C. Bell Westway on her Massachusetts driver's license, was behind the wheel of a 2004 Cadillac Escalade. Asked by Conneely to step out of the SUV, Bell was unsteady. "As (she) stood in front of me, she rocked back on her heels and then placed her right foot back to catch her balance. She did this repeatedly," wrote Conneely, adding that Bell could not recite the alphabet past the letter B. Bell, who lives in North Chelmsford, was placed under arrest, charged with operating under the influence, speeding, and a lane violation, and then driven to the State Police's Brighton barracks. There, she was given breathalyzer test, and registered a .18 - two times the legal limit. "Her speech was brutal throughout booking," wrote Conneely. Attempts to reach Bell today were unsuccessful. She was on FOX 25's newscast Friday and Saturday, but a station spokesperson said today she's a freelancer and "not on our schedule at this time." She was released on her own recognizance today and is due back in court April 6. Bell's attorney Mark Helwig said yesterday his client feels badly about the incident. "Melissa Bell regrets her actions and she acknowledges that she showed poor judgement," said Helwig. "She's never been in trouble before and she's willing to face the consequences for her actions."

About this blog

This blog features the latest local and national celebrity news from The Boston Globe's Names column team. Check back for the latest updates.
Mark Shanahan joined The Boston Globe in 2003, having worked previously at the Portland Press Herald, where he covered City Hall, and the Lewiston Sun-Journal, where he was the education reporter. A Northampton native and graduate of Bates College, Shanahan enjoys the usual - books, music, movies, etc. - as well as the unusual.
shanahan@globe.com
Follow on Twitter: @GlobeNames, @MarkAShanahan
Meredith Goldstein has worked for the Globe since 2003, covering everything from nightlife to New Kids. She keeps her eyes peeled for celebrity juice, and also writes Love Letters, a Boston.com blog for hopeful (and hopeless) romantics. Meredith chats about love problems every Wednesday at 1 p.m. If you see Justin Timberlake or someone like him at a local eatery, please e-mail her immediately. mgoldstein@globe.com
Follow on Twitter: @GlobeNames, @MeredithGoldste

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