Caller Helps WPD Zero in on Drunk Driver

Warwick, RI – Officer Michael Harris was talking with a motorist near 1340 Bald Hill Road Oct. 4 at 1:48 a.m. about an erratic driver the man had just reported when the offending car crept by slowly, swerving over the southbound lanes.

Harris asked the motorist if that car, a gray 2008 Hyundai, was the one the man had reported. The man said he thought it was, Harris reported.

Harris caught up with the Hyundai and followed it as it traveled down Bald Hill Road at 35 mph as it failed to stay in its lane for more than 50 feet of travel at a time without swerving. Harris activated his emergency lights, but the Hyundai continued driving past the Kent County Courthouse, its driver apparently oblivious to the lights, according to Harris’ report.

Harris called to dispatch, informing them he was following a car that wasn’t stopping for him, and another cruiser, driven by Officer Al Marano, arrived and drove behind Harris as he followed the Hyundai. After about 9/10 of a mile, the car finally pulled over on Quaker Lane, north of Cowesett Road, Harris reported.

Harris identified the driver as Douglas Loiselle, 34, of 400 Commonwealth Ave., Apt. 7, Warwick. Harris noted the man’s breath smelled strongly of alcohol, and he invited him to take a series of sobriety tests, which he failed, according to the report.

Loiselle showed a lack of smooth pursuit in his vision, missed heel-to-toe cadence and stepped off-line on the walk-and-turn, and put his foot down during the one-leg stand.

Harris arrested Loiselle, who asked if the officer could take him home, which he said was on “Major Potter Roader” according to the report. Harris transported Loiselle to Warwick Police Heaquarters, where he refused a breath test.

Harris charged Loiselle with DUI first offense, blood alcohol content unknown, lane violations, failure to use a turn signal, and cited him for refusing the test.