WARWICK, RI — Officer Jeremy Smith was called to the Post Road entrance to TF Green Airport for a report of a black car with heavy front end damage facing the wrong way on the one-way road with the driver passed out at the wheel, ultimately arresting the man on a DUI charge.
Smith arrived and found a black 2003 Infinity G35, bearing plates last registered to a purple 1993 Toyota. Smith found the driver, Manne Barbosa, 22, of 161 Harold St., Apt. 3, Providence, RI, asleep at the wheel, with one foot on the brake and the other foot pressing the gas to the floor, revving the engine, which was shifted in drive.
Smith opened the unlocked drivers-side door and attempted to shift the Infinity into park. As he did, Barbosa woke and, startled, took his foot off the brake. Smith quickly placed his own foot on the brake and finished shifting the car into park. Smith then removed the keys from the car.
Officer Alfred Silveira arrived to assist, and the two officers were able to pull the still-confused Barbosa from the car. As they did, Smith reported, he could smell a strong odor of alcohol on the man’s breath. Smith reported the driver was mumbling and incoherent, and could barely keep his eyes open. He was also unsteady on his feet.
Smith abandoned attempts at sobriety tests for Barbosa, who either could not or did not keep his eyes open or stand to take any of the tests, the officer reported.
Shea’s towing took the vehicle from the scene. Smith reported the front end damage appeared to render it inoperable, as the right front tire was bent slightly inward at the bottom, suggesting a broken axle or steering component. Smith transported Barbosa to Warwick Police Headquarters at 99 Veterans Memorial Drive.
At headquarters, Barbosa registered a .144 and .143 on a blood alcohol test. He also said he had drunk an unknown number of shots at a bar in Olneyville that night.
Smith charged Barbosa with DUI, first offense, .10-.15, He was also cited for operating without insurance, operating an unregistered car, and lane violations. He was released to the custody of his wife.
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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