State Police Arrests Subject for Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drugs with a Seven-Year-Old Child in the Vehicle

Colonel Steven G. O’Donnell, Superintendent, of the Rhode Island State Police and Commissioner of Public Safety, announces that on April 17, 2014, Troopers assigned to the Lincoln Woods Barracks responded to a motor vehicle accident involving three vehicles on Route 195 west in the City of East Providence.

One of the operators was identified as, Luis Manuel Medeiros, age 42, of 209 Brightman Street, Apt. 2, Fall River, MA. While interacting with Mr. Medeiros, Troopers observed various indicators consistent with intoxication. Also traveling in the vehicle was an unrestrained seven-year-old male seated in the rear passenger seat.

Mr. Medeiros submitted to a series of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests at the scene, which he failed. Mr. Medeiros was placed under arrest and transported to the Lincoln Woods Barracks. The juvenile was transported to Hasbro Children’s Hospital with minor injuries.

Troopers continued the investigation and spoke with several witnesses that stated they observed Mr. Medeiros traveling in an erratic manner and lose control on Route 195 west in Swansea, MA. They followed Mr. Medeiros’ vehicle and observed it strike an unknown tractor-trailer in the Seekonk, MA, area. Mr. Medeiros fled that accident at a high rate of speed and entered the State of Rhode Island. Upon entering the State of Rhode Island, Mr. Medeiros continued to operate his vehicle in an erratic manner and was reportedly traveling in excess of 90 miles per hour. Mr. Medeiros then struck the rear of another vehicle, which caused it to strike a third vehicle.

Troopers contacted the Massachusetts Department of Social Services (DSS), who later responded to Hasbro Children’s Hospital and assumed custody of the juvenile male.

Mr. Medeiros was held overnight at the Lincoln Woods Barracks and will be arraigned in Sixth District Court in Providence on the following charges: (1) Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drugs – B.A.C. Unknown – First Offense, ( 2) Reckless Driving, (3) Driving with a Suspended/Revoked License and (4) Chemical Test Refusal – First Offense.

Motorists are reminded that they can immediately report dangerous drivers or hazardous roadway conditions to the police by dialing 9-1-1 or *77 on their cell phone