![[CREDIT: Rob Borkowski] The WPD has ID'd the drivers in Monday's Airport Road Motorcycle crash, and disclosed more details of the investigation.](https://warwickpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WPD-cruiser-left-336x237-1.jpg)
Grant spotted the pickup near Coronado Road and made a U-turn to follow it, observing a near-collision with another car in the right lane near the Fairfield Inn. The pickup accelerated and cut the other car off, then failed to make a complete stop for a red light at the intersection of Post Road and Airport Road. The pickup continued west on Airport Road for about 100 yards in the east lane before the driver correcting himself, then turned onto Hallene Road, according to the officer’s report. Grant pulled the pickup over.
Grant approached the driver’s side of the truck, he noted a green can of IPA beer resting on the pickup’s rear bumper. He identified the driver as Michael Harper, 43 of 236 Summer St., Rehoboth, MA, and could smell an “overwhelming” odor of alcohol coming from the driver, according to the report. Harper also had bloodshot eyes, a flushed face and slurred his speech.
Grant told Harper the reason for the stop. Harper admitted to forgetting to turn on his lights, but denied having trouble keeping in his lane. Grant asked Harper to perform sobriety tests, which he agreed to do.
During the tests, Harper demonstrated a lack of smooth pursuit and involuntary eye movement in his vision, was unable to walk a straight line heel-to-toe, stepping off-line and raising his arms for balance; and at one point began falling over, causing Grant to end that test. During a one-leg stand, Harper also nearly tipped over and raised his arms for balance, according to the report.
Grant detained Harper on suspicion of DUI, and transported him to Warwick Police Headquarters, 99 Veterans Memorial Drive, where he refused to submit to a breath test of his blood alcohol content.
Grant charged Harper with one count of DUI, blood alcohol content unknown, first offense, and cited for refusing the test. He was arraigned on the DUI charge in Third District Court Feb. 6, and scheduled for a pre-trial conference on March 11.
Harper was released to the custody of a sober adult at 2:12 a.m. He was arraigned.
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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