Warwick man charged with DUI after crash that injured 11-year-old

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Attorney General Peter Neronha said a Warwick man was charged with multiple driving offenses as well as carrying a pistol without a license after a crash that seriously injured an 11-year-old.

James Thacher was charged with driving under the influence resulting in serious bodily injury, driving to endanger resulting in serious bodily injury, driving to endanger resulting in physical injury, carrying a pistol without a license, and transporting a firearm while under the influence.

Neronha said that on Feb. 3 of this year, police responded to reports of a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Main Avenue and Carolyn Street.

Witnesses said that 68-year-old Thacher crashed his Jeep Liberty SUV into a Chevrolet Cruze containing a female driver and her daughter from behind.

Witnesses also allege that Thacher was speeding and swerving before the crash.

Neronha said that the crash resulted in the Chevrolet spinning and hitting a telephone pole, and the daughter suffering a fractured forearm and a fractured spine.

He added that when officers approached Thacher, they alleged his breath smelled of alcohol, he slurred his speech, and his eyes were bloodshot.

They also said that Thacher could not complete a field sobriety test due to consistently losing his balance, and that his Blood Alcohol Content level was 0.17.

Neronha said that Thacher also handed the officers a camouflage-colored bag that contained a small, black .380 caliber Ruger pistol, two loaded magazines, and a box of 37 .380 caliber bullets.

He added that the defendantis scheduled to be arraigned on Aug. 18.