Man accused of drunken driving in Cranston crash that left 4-year-old with serious injuries

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — A man faces drunken driving charges after a crash that left a 4-year-old in his car with serious injuries.

Cranston police responded to a reported crash with injuries at the intersection of Farmington and Dyer avenues just after 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Col. Michael Winquist said 37-year-old Jose Duque Morales, of Providence, was driving a convertible Mustang with the top down at a high rate of speed east on Farmington Avenue.

Cranston police respond to a serious crash at the intersection of Farmington and Dyer avenues, Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (WLNE)

Winquist said he failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Dyer Avenue before being hit by another car that had the right of way.

The impact of the crash, said police, caused the Mustang to spin 180 degrees on Farmington Avenue before hitting a fence on private property.

A 4-year-old child in his car suffered serious, non-life-threatening injuries. Police said the child’s injuries include a cut across the head.

Cranston police respond to a serious crash at the intersection of Farmington and Dyer avenues, Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (WLNE)

The child was rushed to Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

Police said Morales appeared impaired at the crash scene. He wasn’t wearing a seatbelt.

The 37-year-old was arrested and taken to Rhode Island Hospital.

Cranston police respond to a serious crash at the intersection of Farmington and Dyer avenues, Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (WLNE)

The other driver and multiple occupants were also brought to nearby hospitals, all with minor injuries.

Morales faced two DUI charges, including one involving a passenger under 13.

He was arraigned Thursday in Kent County District Court, where bail was set at $10,000 personal recognizance. He also lost his license.

Morales’ next court date is in August.