When Woonsocket Police officers Jeffrey Gagnon and David Bibeault showed up at the area of Rathbun Street and Diamond Hill Road for report of a drunk driver Jan. 3, they found a car facing the wrong way on the road in a snow bank.
Inside, the driver, later identified as Oscar Ortiz, 36, of 336 Providence St., was bobbing his head vigorously to loud music, according to Gagnon's report. Ortiz refused instructions to turn off the music, and Gagnon reached in the car and turned off the radio, taking the opportunity to also place the vehicle in park and turn it off as well.
The caller who reported Ortiz told officers he'd been following the driver as he traveled all over the road and ran several red lights before witnessing Ortiz cross over Rathbun Street and come to a stop where officers found it.
The officers learned Ortiz's license was suspended, and as he was removed from the vehicle officers also saw several alcoholic beverages within reach of the driver's area. In the center console, officers found an open 25 oz Natural Light Ice beer, another 25 oz Natural Light Ice beer on the passenger side and a 16 oz Bud Light Margarita drink and a nip of vodka.
At police headquarters, Ortiz registered a .291 percent blood alcohol and .274 blood alcohol on a breath test.
Gagnon charged Ortiz with driving under the influence of alcohol, first offense, and driving on a suspended license. He was also cited for operating on the wrong side of the road and for driving in the presence of alcoholic beverages.
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