Police Log: Reckless Driver Narrowly Misses Collision With Police Cruisers

Officer Nicholas Guilmette was making a traffic stop across from the YMCA on Clinton St. Aug. 30 at about 2:17 a.m. when he heard a car approaching at high speed. A few moments later he saw a black 2000 Jeep Cherokee speed through the intersection, turning onto Clinton St. from Main Street, hitting the curb and coming close to flipping, a Woonsocket Police Cruiser close behind in pursuit. 

Guilmette yelled a warning to the other officers on the traffic stop, since the Jeep appeared to be headed straight for them. The Jeep narrowly missed the officers, and Guilmette got into his cruiser to help apprehend the driver.

Guilmette and the other officer pursued the Jeep onto Truman Drive, where it was ultimately pulled over. The driver, identified as Brett Corderre, 22, of 137 Crawford St., was ordered out of the vehicle, to put his keys on the ground and then kneel nearby with his hands on his head.

Corderre told officers they didn't have to arrest him and tried to pull away from Guilmette's grasp as he attempted to place him in handcuffs. They disagreed. A second officer assisted Guilmette, and together they were able to place Corderre in handcuffs. 

On his way to the Woonsocket Police department, Corderre became hostile, yelling profanities at Guilmette, continuing the behavior throughout the booking process. He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, first offense, reckless driving, leading officers on a high-speed chase, and refusing a chemical test.