Warwick Officer Arrests Speeding Driver on DUI Charge

WARWICK, RI — Officer Alfred Silveira was patrolling Warwick Avenue April 3 at 1:14 a.m. when he spotted a black Toyota traveling at what he estimated to be 60 mph in the 35 mph zone, pulled the car over, and arrested the driver on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Silveira asked the driver for his license, registration and proof of insurance, and learned he was David Aurelio, 68, of 212 Sandy Lane, apt. 4101, Warwick, RI, according to the officer’s report. Silveira informed him of his speeding violation, to which Aurelio responded that he was traveling home from playing poker in North Providence, and that there was no one else on the road.

As the man spoke, Silveira reported he could smell a strong odor of alcohol on the man’s breath. Aurelio’s eyes were also bloodshot, and his speech was slurred.

When Silveira asked him if he had drank anything that night, Aurelio said, ‘I don’t drink,” according to the officer’s report. Silveira informed him about the strong odor of alcohol on his breath, and Aurelio amended his statement to include having consumed two beers that night.

During a series of sobriety tests, Aurelio demonstrated a lack of smooth pursuit and involuntary eye movements in his vision, then refused to cooperate further, saying, “Do what you have to do. I’m not taking any more tests,” according to the officer’s report.

Silveira arrested Aurelio, and transported him to Warwick Police Headquarters, where he also refused to take a breathalyzer test. Silveira charged him with DUI, first offense, blood alcohol unknown, and issued a violation for refusing the breath test. He was also issued a violation for traveling 50 in a 35 mph zone.

He was released to a sober adult.