Contact: Captain Ernest C. Quarry, Jr., District "A" Commander Telephone: (401) 444-1009
Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Commissioner of Public Safety, announces that at 1:25 a.m. on December 31, 2012, members of the Wickford Barracks observed a white Saab with a Rhode Island registration stopped in the middle of the roadway on Pond Street in the Town of West Warwick. As Troopers approached the white Saab, the operator was slumped forward in the driver's seat. Further investigation revealed that the operator was highly impaired.
The operator is identified as Robert F. Levesque, age 54, of 12 Hopedale Drive, West Warwick, Rhode Island. Levesque was arrested and transported to the Wickford Barracks and charged with the following:
• Driving Under the Influence of Liquor and or Drugs: (BAC Unknown) • Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test • Driving on a Suspended License
Once at the Wickford Barracks, it was revealed that Levesque was also arrested by West Greenwich Police on December 27th and 28th, 2012, for Driving Under the Influence of Liquor and or Drugs, (BAC Unknown). Levesque was held overnight at the Wickford Barracks pending a morning arraignment in Third Division District Court in Warwick. During his arraignment, Levesque was Held Without Bail as a bail violator. A violation hearing is scheduled for January 14, 2013 in Third Division District.
As was stated by Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell at a press conference on December 27, 2012, promoting "365 Days of Safety" awareness program, he emphasizes that members of both the Rhode Island State Police and local police will remain vigilant with regard to strict enforcement of the Rhode Island General Laws and specifically detecting impaired motorists. Colonel O'Donnell would also like to commend the Court for holding this suspect for violation of his bail. At a minimum, he will not be a menace to either himself or the motoring public. We are thankful that no one, including the suspect, was injured.
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.