Officer Stops, Arrests Erratic Driver on DUI Charge

WARWICK, RI — Officer David Boardman was driving west on Airport Road Aug. 4 at 1:39 a.m. when he spotted a black 2018 Kia Optima headed east at 54 mph in a 35 mph zone, following as it swerved and stopping it, arresting the driver on a DUI charge.

Boardman observed the Optima as it ran a red light at the intersection of Airport Road and Warwick Avenue then took a right onto Warwick Avenue without stopping, finally pulling it over as the car began to swerve in the right lane, according to the officer’s report.

Boardman identified the driver as Michael Constant, 30, of 167 Pheasant Dr., Cranston, RI. As they spoke, Boardman noted an odor of alcohol on the man’s breath and also saw his eyes were bloodshot and heard his speech was slurred.

The driver wasn’t able to provide the car’s registration because it was a rental. When asked for his license, Constant handed Boardman a Patriot’s issued debit card. Constant admitted to having “a couple beers” at The Grid Iron on Post Road.

Boardman asked Constant to perform some sobriety tests, during which the driver demonstrated a lack of smooth pursuit in his vision, was unable to walk a straight line and also unable to balance safely on one foot, according to the report.

Taking the entirety of his encounter with Constant into account, Boardman arrested him on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, and transported him to Warwick Police Headquarters, 99 Veterans Memorial Drive, where two breathalyzer tests registered a .094 percent and .088 percent blood alcohol.

Following the tests, Boardman charged Constant with DUI, first offense, .08 to .10 blood alcohol, with a Third District Court date of Aug. 23. The officer also cited him for speeding, lane violations and running a stop light.