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RI State Police Arrests a Subject for DUI and Reckless Driving After Traveling the Wrong Way on Route 4

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 the Department of Public Safety, announces that on December 20, 2012 at approximately 2:20 a.m., a trooper assigned to a Department of Transportation road detail on Route 4 south at Division Street in East Greenwich, observed a vehicle travel past his location in the wrong direction. He observed the vehicle enter Route 4 south from the Division Street off-ramp onto Route 4 south. The vehicle continued past his location, north in the southbound lane on Route 4 and approached Route 95 in Warwick.

The investigation revealed that the operator, Maryanne L. Speicher, age 22, of 130 MaryAnn Way, North Attleborough, Massachusetts, was traveling north in the southbound lane on Route 4 as it approaches Route 95. Troopers were able to stop Ms. Speicher at Route 95 before her vehicle struck oncoming traffic.

Troopers observed Ms. Speicher to have a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from her breath. Troopers also observed that her eyes were bloodshot and watery, and her speech was slurred.

Ms. Speicher was arrested and taken to the Wickford Barracks. At the Barracks, she became extremely incoherent and finally lost consciousness. She was transported to Kent Hospital by the North Kingstown Fire Department for observation and treatment.

Although the BAC is not known at this time, what is know is that the effects of alcohol intoxication are greatly influenced by individual variations, but as a rule, a loss of consciousness begins at around a BAC of .30 and the onset of coma and possible death due to respiratory arrest begins at around a BAC of .40.

Ms. Speicher was given a summons to appear in Third Division District Court for arraignment on a charge of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol-Drugs, BAC Unknown and Reckless Driving. She will also be charged at the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal with One Way Highways-Driving the Wrong Way and Presence of an Alcoholic Beverage while Operating a Vehicle.

Colonel O'Donnell stated, "The Division of State Police continues to see this egregious and dangerous behavior on our roadways. We are fortunate that the quick action of a Trooper prevented another potential tragedy. The State Police will use all resources available to the Division, including overtime patrols using low-profile vehicles, to remain vigilant and curb this activity."

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

Related links

  • Department or agency: Rhode Island State Police
  • Online: http://risp.ri.gov
  • Release date: 12-20-2012

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