Posted on Leave a comment

Driver Pulls Over Onto Sidewalk, Arrested on DUI Charge

The Warwick Police Department is located at 99 Veterans Memorial Drive.
The Warwick Police Department is located at 99 Veterans Memorial Drive.
The Warwick Police Department is located at 99 Veterans Memorial Drive.

WARWICK, RI — Officer Matthew Smith spotted a red Acura MDX going west on Airport Road swerving between lanes before turning on Post Road, then stopped it, watching as the driver pulled to the side of the road, then the sidewalk, then into Gilmore Furniture’s  parking lot.

Smith identified the driver as Andrew Roza, 55, of 29 Hilltop Ave., Barrington, and noted a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, that he had bloodshot eyes, and slurred speech. Roza told Smith he was unfamiliar with the area, and that he’d pulled onto the sidewalk in his attempt to pull over for the officer, according to the report.

When asked if he’d had anything to drink, Roza said he hadn’t, and that he was a designated driver, but later admitted that he had had two beers before getting behind the wheel, according to Smith’s report.

A series of sobriety tests revealed Roza had a lack of smooth pursuit in his vision and involuntary eye movements, he broke heel to toe cadence during a walk and turn and was unsteady on his feet, and was unable to safely balance on one foot.

Smith arrested Roza on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and transported him to Warwick Police Headquarters, 99 Veterans Memorial Drive, where he refused to submit to a chemical test.

Smith charged Roza with DUI, first offense, blood alcohol unknown, and cited him for refusing the test, for lane violations and for driving without proof of insurance. He was released at 3 a.m. to a sober adult, his wife.

Rob Borkowski
Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.

This is a test