Officer Arrests SUV Driver for DUI on East Avenue

 WARWICK, RI — Officer Randy Bell was driving east on Main Avenue Jan. 5 at 12:40 a.m. when he spotted a green 2003 GMC Sierra headed the other way, stopping short at a light then speeding, stopping and arresting the driver on a DUI charge.

Bell reported he turned his cruiser around and followed the SUV as it drove 47 mph in a 35 mph zone, changing lanes abruptly, and pulled the vehicle over as it headed west on East Avenue. The SUV continued 150 feet after Bell activated his lights and siren, according to the officer’s report. 

Bell approached the vehicle, noting empty beer cans in the rear bed of the SUV. He spoke with the driver, identifying him as Brian Arnold, 49, of 35 Gadoury Ave., Apt. #15, Coventry. 

As the two spoke, Bell reported Arnold exhibited bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and had an odor of alcohol on his breath. Arnold told Bell he had been returning from his friend’s house, where he had drank a few beers.

Bell asked Arnold to step out of the car for a series of sobriety tests, which he did, moving unsteadily and leaning on his truck for balance. During the tests, Arnold exhibited a lack of smooth pursuit in his vision, and involuntary eye movements. Arnold refused to complete the walk and turn test, telling Bell, “I know I’m drunk,” according to the officer’s report. 

Bell arrested Arnold on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, and transported him to Warwick Police Headquarters, 99 Veterans Memorial Drive, where he refused to submit to a breath test of his blood alcohol. 

Bell charged Arnold with DUI, second offense, speeding, driving without insurance, and refusing to submit to the breath test. He was scheduled to appear in Third District Court Feb. 5., and released into the custody of his wife.