Contact: Captain Frank B. Castellone, District "B" Commander Telephone: (401) 444-1010
On September 28, 2012 at 3:59 p.m., Troopers from the Rhode Island State Police Wickford Barracks responded to a serious motor vehicle crash on Route 4 north in East Greenwich.
The investigation revealed that three vehicles were traveling in succession on Route 4 north in the Town of East Greenwich. The first two vehicles reduced speed due to heavy traffic. The third vehicle failed to reduce speed or stop and subsequently rear ended the middle vehicle, which was then forced into the rear end of the lead vehicle.
The operator of the middle vehicle, identified as Sullynette Sanchez, age 23, of 17 Harriet Street, Providence, RI, passed away while en-route to Kent County Hospital. Ms. Sanchez was pregnant at the time of the crash, and her child was delivered and placed on life support at Kent county Hospital. The child passed away a short time later, due to the injuries received at the time of the crash.
The State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit conducted an extensive and thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Through numerous investigative techniques they found that narcotics and/or alcohol were not factors in the crash. With the assistance of the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office, it was determined that the crash did not rise to the level of criminal recklessness, and therefore, no criminal charges will be brought against the operator at this time.
The operator of the third vehicle, Benjamin Servideo, age 24, of 20 Weaver Avenue, Newport, RI, was charged with Conditions Requiring Reduced Speeds, Failure to Maintain Control and Interval Between Vehicles.
Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell stated, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim's family. We recognize that this is not the outcome they may have expected, but the evidence gathered through several investigative techniques did not rise to the level of probable cause to move forward with a prosecution." This was investigated jointly with the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office, who concurs with these findings.