BOSTON, Jan. 26, 2016— An accused career criminal was arraigned yesterday after allegedly admitting that he used a screwdriver to start the stolen car he was driving, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

SAMSON SCOTT (D.O.B. 4/13/55), who provided the address of a Boston homeless facility as his residence, was charged in Roxbury Municipal Court yesterday with receiving a stolen motor vehicle, operating with a suspended license, and unlawful possession of ammunition. In light of prior convictions for assault and battery on a police officer in 2005, distribution of a Class A substance in 2004, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in 1997, and other offenses, he is charged as a Level III armed career criminal.

Assistant District Attorney Brandon Tower requested bail of $10,000 and an order that Scott not drive in the event he is released on bail.  Judge David Weingarten imposed $750 bail and ordered Scott to report to probation and not leave Massachusetts while his case is pending.

Boston Police observed a 1998 Buick LeSabre that had previously been reported stolen operating in the area of Dacia and Quincy streets shortly after 5:40 p.m. Saturday.  As the vehicle made a series of turns without signaling and officers prepared to perform a motor vehicle stop, the stolen vehicle came to rest in the area of Wayland and Balfour streets.  The operator exited the vehicle, and officers recognized him as Scott.  Officers confirmed that he had a suspended license and placed him under arrest.

As he was placed under arrest, Scott allegedly made statements to police that he had received the vehicle from a friend and was unaware it was stolen, though he allegedly stated that he used a screwdriver to start it, prosecutors said.

Officers observed that one of the car’s rear windows was broken and located two screwdrivers inside.  Two spent rounds of ammunition were found in the vehicle’s glove compartment, prosecutors said.

Scott was represented by Neni Odiaga.  He returns to court Feb. 25.

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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.