Crime & Safety
Erratic Driver Refuses Tests, Charged with DUI
The following arrest information was provided by the Woonsocket Police Department. An arrest does not indicate a conviction.
Officer Patrick McGourty spotted a gray 1998 Chevy Lumina operating left of center on Wood Avenue at about 12:34 a.m. Aug. 20, and stopped the car, suspecting the driver was intoxicated.
According to Officer Craig Thompson's report, McGourty called him in to assist on the stop. Thompson spoke with the driver, Franklin Rideout, 37, of 70 Manville Road, Apt. 2, who had told McGourty he was returning from the Brunswick Walnut Hill Bowl Back Alley Pub, according to Thompson's report.
Rideout refused to answer Thompson's questions, who noted the driver's eyes were bloodshot and glassy, that his speech was slurred, and there was an odor of alcohol on his breath. Instead, Rideout repeated the statement, "I am just heading home," several times.
Rideout also refused to participate in a field sobriety test, and also refused a chemical test. He asked to speak with his lawyer, which officers arranged for him after arresting him and transporting him to police headquarters on Clinton Street.
During processing, Rideout asked to have several questions repeated. He also was instructed to walk into cell #2 and he walked into cell #3.
Rideout was charged with DUI, first offense, blood alcohol unknown, and refusal to submit to a chemical test.
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