Warwick, RI – Warwick Officer Javier Cabreja was patrolling north on Greenwich Avenue Feb. 6 at 1:23 a.m. when a dark SUV passed him in the opposite direction at 75 mph, swerving across both south lanes and running a stop sign.
After a U-turn, Cabreja followed the SUV to the intersection of Centerville and Post Roads, stopping the vehicle, a black Ford Escape, according to his report.
Cabreja identified the driver as Emily Lafferty, 44 of 15 Gilbert St., Warwick, who appeared confused when he told her he’d stopped her for speeding. She said she’d been in a hurry to return home to her grandchild, who was sick.
Cabreja reported smelling an odor of alcohol on Lafferty’s breath as they spoke. Also, the officer reported her speech was slurred and she appeared to be disoriented.
Lafferty consented when Cabreja asked her to take a series of sobriety tests, which she failed. Lafferty exhibted a lack of smooth pursuit in her vision, was unsteady, stepped off the line and did not walk heel-to-toe as instructed during the walk-and-turn, then put her foot down three times during the one-leg-stand.
Cabreja arrested Lafferty on suspicion of driving under the influence and transported her back to Warwick Police Headquarters at 99 Veterans Memorial Parkway, where she refused to submit to a chemical test.
Cabreja cited Lafferty for refusal to submit to a chemical test, speeding, failing to obey a stop sign, and laned roadway violations.
Cabreja then transported Lafferty to her home.
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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