WARWICK, RI — Officer Cody Wild was on Bald Hill Road May 6 at 1:12 a.m. when a red 2008 Mercedes Mariner sped past, then turned left toward the McDonald’s lot, nearly striking the curb, prompting the officer to stop the driver, whom he arrested on a DUI charge.
Before stopping the car, Wild watched as the driver backed away from the near curb-strike and made a successful attempt at driving into the lot, then pulled the driver over, according to the officer’s report. Wild identified the driver as Joseph Piccione, 30, of 87 Woodview Drive, Cranston, RI. While checking Piccione’s ID, Wild reported smelling a strong odor of alcohol coming from the car and the driver, according to the report.
When Wild asked if Piccione had been drinking, the man responded that he had consumed a few beers earlier. Wild invited him to a series of sobriety test, to which Piccione agreed.
During the tests, Piccione demonstrated a lack of smooth pursuit in his vision and involuntary eye movement. He was also unable to maintain heel-to-toe cadence during a walk and turn test and was not able to safely balance on one foot.
Wild arrested and transported Piccione to Warwick Police Headquarters, 99 Veterans Memorial Drive, Warwick, where he registered a .153 on two successive blood alcohol breath tests.
Wild charged Piccione with DUI, first offense, .15 or greater. The officer also charged him for backing up where that is prohibited.
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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