Contact: Captain Frank B. Castellone, District "B" Commander Telephone: (401) 444-1010
Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell, Superintendent, of the Rhode Island State Police and Commissioner of Public Safety, announces that on September 30, 2012 at 9:10 p.m., Troopers assigned to a RIDOT construction detail on Route 95 south in Richmond, observed a vehicle traveling at a speed of 120 miles per hour. Troopers were able to safely stop the vehicle and observed three small children, ages two (2), three (3) and four (4) seated in the rear.
Troopers spoke with the operator, Derek L. Greene, age 25, of 38 K G Ranch Road, Richmond, who had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath. Troopers observed that his eyes were bloodshot and watery and his speech was mumbled.
Greene was taken into custody and returned to the Hope Valley Barracks, where he refused to submit to a breathalyzer test.
Greene was charged with Reckless Driving and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. He was also issued traffic summonses for 1.) Speeding, 2.) Conditions requiring reduced speed, 3.) Due care by driver and 4) Refusal to submit to a Chemical Test. Greene was arraigned in Fourth Division District Court in Wakefield, where he was held as a probation violator. The children were turn over to the custody of their grandmother. Troopers contacted DCYF Child Protection Investigative Services to open a case on Greene and check the well being of the children.
Colonel O'Donnell stated, "It's unfortunate that this seems to be an every other day occurrence, where somebody is being arrested for operating a motor vehicle at a speed of twice the limit while impaired. This is another example of behavior that, if not prevented, could turn into another horrific tragedy. I commend our troopers for being vigilant to this never ending issue."
Motorists are reminded that they can immediately report dangerous drivers or hazardous roadway conditions to the police by dialing 911 or *77 on your cell phone.
For more detailed information on these arrests please refer to the Rhode Island State Police Website/Press Releases at: www.risp.ri.gov/press