WARWICK, RI — Officer Michael Harris was driving south near 1500 Bald Hill Road when a black 2017 Nissan passed him in the opposite direction at 51 mph in the 35 mph zone, stopping and charging the driver with DUI.
Harris made a U-turn to follow the Nissan, which made an abrupt turn into the Scrub-A-Dub parking lot, then turned back out heading away from the officer as he passed, according to Harris’ report. Harris turned to follow the car again, but it turned left into the Lumber Liquidator’s parking lot without using a signal. Harris followed the car, and made a traffic stop in the lot.
As Harris pulled behind the car, he saw the driver get out of the car and change seats with the passenger, a woman, according to the officer’s report. Harris called for assistance from a second officer, then spoke to the driver in the passenger’s seat when officer Timothy Lipka and James Michailides arrived.
Harris identified the driver as Trevor Hamlin, 25, of 776 Main St., West Warwick. The officer noted Hamlin had a flushed, red face, and had bloodshot eyes. The officer asked why he’d switched seats, and the man admitted to driving the car. Hamlin said he’d made the switch so his passenger could drive, since she was more familiar with the area.
When Harris asked why Hamlin had chosen his traffic stop to switch seats, Hamlin said he didn’t care, but ended the sentence with a word beginning with the letter “f”. When Harris asked Hamlin to perform sobriety tests, Hamlin refused, swearing again.
Harris arrested Hamlin, who continued to swear at Harris and the other officers as he was placed in the officer’s cruiser. On the way to Warwick Police Headquarters at 99 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hamlin began hitting his head against the inside of the cruiser and complained of an asthma attack.
Harris transported Hamlin to Kent County Memorial Hospital, where he was treated and given an opportunity to make a phone call. Hamlin refused to submit to a blood test.
Harris charged Hamlin with DUI, first offense, blood alcohol unknown, and also cited him for refusing the test and for speeding. He was left in the custody of the hospital staff for further treatment.
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.
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