Warwick, RI – A swerving driver nearly struck a Warwick officer’s cruiser on Warwick Avenue early Aug. 20, resulting in a traffic stop and an arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Officer Ryan Lancaster was patrolling on Warwick Avenue near the Post Road intersection when a green 1997 Ford Escort travelling north in the right hand lane nearly swerved into his cruiser, according to the officer’s report.
Lancaster pulled over the Escort just over the Warwick city line in Cranston, and spoke with the driver, identified as Thomas Casperson, 50, of 91 Wheeler Ave., Cranston, who exhibited bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and smelled of alcohol, Lancaster reported.
The officer asked for Casperson’s license, which the driver dropped in his lap twice while trying to hand it to Lancaster, he reported.
Casperson told him he’d been at Eddie’s Club, where he had three beers before leaving. The officer asked Casperson to perform sobriety tests, which he agreed to.
Casperson was unsteady as he exited the car, leaning on the door for support. He failed to follow instructions during the vision test, missed heel-to-toe cadence during the walk-and-turn, and put his foot down during the one-leg-stand.
Lancaster arrested Casperson and transported him to Warwick Police headquarters at 99 Veterans Memorial Drive, where he refused to take a chemical blood test.
Lancaster charged Casperson with DUI, alcohol, and issued violations for refusing the chemical test and laned roadway violations.
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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