Warwick School committee member accused of drunk driving, assaulting officer

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — A Warwick School Committee member is accused of drunk driving and assaulting an officer over the weekend.

Police said the incident happened just before 10 p.m. Saturday near City Hall.

Col. Bradford Connor said Karen Bachus was seen by a witness driving “erratically” near City Hall.

“An officer spotted the vehicle, also observed violations and conducted a motor vehicle stop,” said Connor.

Bachus was then taken to the Warwick Police Department headquarters. There, police said, she tried walking away while ignoring officers’ orders to stay seated.

“When they attempted to direct her back to her seat, she struck the officer with a fist in the arm,” said Connor.

Bachus was charged with refusal to submit to a chemical test, DUI BAC unknown, and simple assault.

She later took to Facebook to confirm her involvement and charges against her. She concluded the post with an apology to her loved ones.