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Providence Officer Fired Following Warwick DUI Arrest Feb. 4

The Rhode Island State Police are stationed in several barracks throughout RI. Each week Troopers make multiple RI arrests recorded in the RI Trooper log.
RI Trooper Log
The Rhode Island State Police are stationed in several barracks throughout RI.

PROVIDENCE — On Feb. 4, RI State Police arrested Stephen W. Kennedy, 31 of 29 Brooks St., Cranston, after the off-duty, probationary Providence Police officer crashed into a State Police cruiser.

At about 11:10 p.m. that day, State Police Trooper Daniel O’Neil was monitoring traffic while parked on the grass shoulder of Rte. 95 North in Warwick. State Police allege Kennedy,  was operating his 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Rte. 95 North in Warwick.

As Kennedy passed the Airport Connector, his vehicle left the road and struck O’Neil’s marked vehicle, according to State Police.

As a result of the crash, O’Neil suffered broken ribs and other minor injuries, State Police reported. Two K-9 officers inside the cruiser at the time of the accident and did not suffer any injuries.

According to State Police, Kennedy displayed signs of impairment at the time of the crash and consented to a blood test for drugs or alcohol. Based on a follow-up investigation, the Rhode Island State Police allege Stephen W. Kennedy was operating his vehicle in a reckless manner and under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. State Police also allege Kennedy possessed Fentanyl, a Schedule II Controlled Substance and had a firearm at the time of the crash.
Kennedy was arraigned at State Police Headquarters and released on personal recognizance. He is scheduled to be re-arraigned in Kent County District Court on Tuesday, March 3, for Driving Under the Influence of Liquor or Drugs, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance (Fentanyl), Driving to Endanger Resulting in Physical Injury and Carrying a Weapon While Under the Influence of Liquor or Drugs.
State Police Christopher J Dicomitis said that as a result of the crash and arrest, the Providence Police Department fired Kennedy.
Rob Borkowski
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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