Portsmouth Police arrest man for allegedly driving under the influence with children in the vehicle

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WLNE) — The Portsmouth Police Department said a man was arrested after he allegedly drove under the influence with children in the vehicle on June 7.

39-year-old Peter Murner, of Bourne, Massachusetts, was charged with refusal to submit a chemical breath test and driving under the influence of liquor/drugs with children under the age of 13 as  passengers.

Portsmouth police responded to East Main Road near Hedly Street around 8:20 p.m. for a report of a disabled vehicle.

Upon arrival, police discovered the vehicle had struck a curb and was damaged.

At the scene, police said a 10-year-old child had possession of the vehicle’s keys, and handed them to the officers. Another passenger, a 7-year-old child, was inside the vehicle.

Both children were taken to a police cruiser while officers continued their investigation.

While officers spoke with Murner, they allege he showed multiple signs of alcohol impairment, including the odor of alcohol coming from his breath.

Police said Murner agreed to a sobriety test, and allegedly failed.

Murner was arrested and taken to headquarters, where he refused to submit a chemical breath test, police said.

The two children were released to a family member.

Murner was scheduled to be formally arraigned on June 12.