Police Log: Hit And Run Driver Found Swerving On Cass Avenue, Arrested For DUI

Good Samaritan Ken Bertram called Woonsocket Police to report he was following a gray 2001 Volvo Dec. 8 at 7:43 p.m., reporting it was driving across the center line on Cumberland Street.

Shortly after, Bertram reported the car, which police later determined was driven by Duane Gero, 33, of 10 Huntington Ave., Plainville, MA, had struck a gray Mercedes Benz and continued driving without stopping to check on the occupants.

Officers were dispatched to speak with Bertram, the occupants of the struck car, and witnesses. Officer Andrew R. Girard located the Volvo near 115 Cass Ave., traveling at a low speed, and activated his cruiser's siren and lights, but Gero didn't pull over. 

Gero continued driving, swerving over the center line in an apparent attempt to evade Girard, passing several cars pulled over to allow the cruiser to pass. Gero eventually stopped the Volvo, parking it at an angle to the curb, its front right tire hitting the curb.

When Girard approached the vehicle, he noticed Gero's eyes were bloodshot, but he didn't smell any alcohol. Girard asked Gero to exit the vehicle and take a sobriety test, which he failed, appearing unsteady on his feet and failing to follow directions.

Gero found several small baggies in the Volvo, and several syringes.

Gero was arrested and charged with failing in his duty to stop after a car accident, driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, and issued citations for failing to use a seatbelt, road lane violations and operating left of center.