Driver arrested for DUI after rear-ending Cranston police cruiser

By News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

CRANSTON, R.I (WLNE) – The Cranston Police Department arrested a Middletown man for DUI on Saturday morning after he Cranston Police cruiser. 

According to the police, a Cranston Police Officer who was operating a marked cruiser on patrol was stopped at a traffic light in the area of Park and Elmwood Avenue, when he was suddenly struck by a White Nissan Altima that was driven by 24-year-old, Clay R. Sinatra of Middletown. 

The department says neither Sinatra or the officer was injured as a result of the crash. 

While speaking with Sinatra, the officer recognized signs of alcohol impairment. 

Police say an open bottle of vodka was found in the front passenger floorboard of the vehicle. 

A second officer arrived and administered a series of sobriety tests which Sinatra failed. 

Sinatra was placed under arrest for Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor and/or Drugs. 

He was transported to Cranston Police Headquarters where he refused to submit to a breathalyzer test. 

Police said Sinatra was held overnight and will be arraigned by a bail commissioner on a charge of DUI and will receive traffic citations for Refusal to Submit to a chemical test, as well as Presence of Alcoholic Beverages While Operating or Riding in Motor Vehicles. 

Colonel Winquist of the Cranston Police Department said, “This is the second time in the past three months a marked police vehicle has been struck by an alleged impaired operator. Fortunately, none of these crashes resulted in severe injuries to the officers, impaired operators and other drivers on the roadway. Today, there are many safe and convenient alternatives to driving while under the influence, such as ride-sharing services and designated drivers. There is simply no excuse to drive impaired, and if caught, you will be arrested.” 

©WLNE-TV/ABC6