Drunk driver charged with beating girlfriend, carjacking delivery guy, causing crash on Expressway

A repeat drunk driver created a swath of destruction starting in his girlfriend's apartment and ending in a car crash on I-93 in Dorchester early this morning, the Suffolk County District Attorney's office charges.

Prosecutors say Charles Rampino, 47, of Jamaica Plain, went into a drunken rage at his girlfriend's apartment on Pearl Street in Dorchester, tearing the place apart and pushing her against a wall. He ran out, spotted a Jeep with keys in the ignition and took off - after punching the Jeep's owner, a food-delivery guy - in the face.

Not long after, the DA's office says, officers on patrol along Freeport Street spotted the Jeep doing 60 in a 30-mph zone and gave chase - following him onto I-93 south:

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 Granite Avenue exit. A short distance later, they saw the Cherokee, also against the guardrail.

The driver of the Town Car and his passenger were taken to Boston Medical Center with minor injuries, the DA's office says. As for Rampino, he was not injured. However, he allegedly told officers, "I'm shitfaced."

Dorchester District Court Judge Michael J. Coyne set his bail at $75,000, the amount recommended by prosecutors, at his arraignment on charges of 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.

Innocent, etc.