Man arrested for DUI in North Smithfield after driving into downed electrical poles

NORTH SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) — The North Smithfield Police Department said that a Worcester man was arrested for DUI after driving into a set of dowqned powerlines after almost hitting a police cruiser.

35-year-old Aaron Kuipers was charged with DUI blood alcohol content unknown, reckless driving, and other offense against public safety.

On Dec. 18 Kuipers was allegedly driving his pickup truck at a high rate of speed on Quaker Highway when he almost struck a police cruiser that was posted at a blockade set up for downed powerlines and poles across the road.

The pickup truck that drove into downed powerlines on Quaker Highway. (North Smithfield Police Department)

The department said that he then crashed into the downed lines, and that Kuipers smelled of alcohol and admitted to drinking before driving.

Kuipers then took a field sobriety where he allegedly showed sign of inebriation. He also refused to take a chemical test.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 2, 2024.