Man with 11-page driving history held without bail after arrest in Avon

By Peter Schworm and John R. Ellement, Globe Staff

BROCKTON - A chronic drunk driver with an 11-page driving record was held without bail today after pleading not guilty to what was at least his ninth charge of driving under the influence.

William Doten, 65, was arrested last Thursday when police found his red pickup truck stopped in the middle of West Main Street in Avon. When Doten rolled down his window, a responding officer was “immediately hit with an overwhelming smell of alcohol in the truck,” authorities said.

Doten failed his first sobriety test, and gave up during his second, putting his hands behind his back to be hadcuffed, police said.

Doten’s license was revoked for life in 1998.

Prosecutors sought to have Doten held under the state’s dangerousness statute. A hearing was scheduled for Jan. 23.

“Based on his history and recent events, we feel there is a real question whether he can be released without posing a danger to those around him,” Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey said in a statement.

Doten was arraigned at Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital. His lawyer could not be reached for comment.