Contact: Lieutenant William C. Jamieson Weekend Officer-in-Charge, Rhode Island State Police 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 12:59 AM on August 19, 2012 members of the Lincoln Woods Barracks responded to the scene of a single car motor vehicle accident on Route 10 south at Reservoir Avenue in the City of Cranston. Investigation revealed that the operator of the vehicle was suspected of being under the influence of intoxicating liquor. A preliminary breath test on scene registered a reading of .222 B.A.C., almost three times the legal limit of impairment.
The operator, Brian Fracassa, age 44 of 936 Williamsburg Circle in Warwick was transported by rescue to Rhode Island Hospital for evaluation. While at the hospital, Fracassa refused to submit to a chemical test at the trooper's request. He was held overnight at the hospital for observation. Upon his release, he was transported to The Lincoln Woods Barracks where he was processed, arraigned by Justice of the Peace for Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Liquor/BAC unknown and released after posting the $1,000 with surety bail.
During the investigation, troopers learned that Fracassa was arrested By North Kingstown PD on August 12, 2012 for Driving Under the Influence/BAC unknown, Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test, and Possession of a Controlled Substance after he was stopped on Post Road for several laned roadway violations. His second arrest within the week for DUI indicates a clear disregard for the safety of the motoring public.
Fracassa is scheduled to be formally arraigned at 3rd Division District Court on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 on both the Rhode Island State Police and North Kingstown Police Department charges.
As was stated by Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell at the press conference on August 17, 2012 to kick off the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, he emphasizes that members of the Rhode Island State Police will remain vigilant with regard to strict enforcement of the Rhode Island General Laws and specifically detecting impaired motorists.
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.