For Immediate Release
January 12, 2013
Contact: Lieutenant Daniel C. Cusumano Night Executive Officer RISP Headquarters (401) 444-1000
Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Commissioner of Public Safety, announces that at 6:10PM, on January 12, 2013, members of the Hope Valley Barracks received a 911 telephone call from an off-duty Connecticut State Trooper concerning a possible intoxicated operator on Rt. 3 in the Town of Richmond. Troopers were able to locate and stop the vehicle. Further investigation revealed that the operator was allegedly highly impaired.
The operator is identified as Thomas J. Eaton, age 43, of 25 Hampson Street, (2nd.fl) South Attleboro, Massachusetts. Mr. Eaton was arrested and transported to the Hope Valley Barracks and charged with the following:
• Driving Under the Influence of Liquor and or Drugs: (BAC: first reading .362% / second reading was .356%) and • Driving on a Suspended License
Once at the Hope Valley Barracks, it was revealed that Mr. Eaton was also arrested by Westerly Police on November 25th 2005 and April 6th, 2008, for Driving Under the Influence of Liquor and or Drugs. Mr. Eaton was later arraigned at the Hope Valley Barracks by a Justice of the Peace and transported to the ACI for holding.
Rhode Island State Police Press Release Page 2 January 12, 2013
As stated by Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell; "we commend our Troopers and the off-duty Connecticut State Trooper for staying vigilant and preventing a serious or fatal crash."
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.