Driver Arrested in Stop & Shop Lot After Crashing Into Two Cars

Warwick, RI – Officers arrested Kevin Shannon, 46, of 150 Bartlett Drive July 21 at 12:39 a.m. after finding him in his silver Honda, which he’d just crashed into a parked car,  pinned driver’s-side against a light pole, in the Sandy Lane Stop & Shop lot.

The officers shortly learned Shannon was the likely suspect in a hit and run reported a short time prior at then intersection of Warwick and Sevilla Avenues, according to police reports.

Officers Paul White and Dale Drowne were called to the area for a motorist’s report of an erratic driver. As they drove to the area, the reporting driver informed the dispatcher that the erratic driver, in a silver Honda, had struck a curb and a telephone pole, then entered the Stop & Shop lot at 521 Sandy Lane, according to White’s report.

At the supermarket, White and Drowne found the vehicle, driven by Shannon, half in and half out of the lot, with the driver’s side door pinned against a light pole in the parking lot.

They asked Shannon to step out of the vehicle, and noticed that as he did, he had an unsteady gait. The officers noted a strong odor of alcohol coming from Shannon, according to Drowne’s report.

Inside Shannon’s car, the officers found four bottles containing a clear liquid, likely vodka, from the odor, according to Drowne’s report.

Officer John Curley responded to administer a breath test, transporting Shannon to Warwick Police Headquarters at 99 Veterans Memorial Drive, where he refused to take the test. Curley noted Shannon needed assistance to stand during this time.

The officers charged Shannon with DUI, first offense, blood alcohol unknown and failing to stop after an accident resulting in damage. They also cited him for refusing the test.