WARWICK, RI — Warwick Officer Steven Morretti stopped a blue 2010 Audi traveling 72 mph in a 35 mph zone on Warwick Avenue Jan. 10 at 1:36 a.m., then arrested the driver on aDUI charge.
Morretti stopped the car after following it a short distance, observing it swerve, before it stopped near Stillwater Drive. He approached the car and identified the driver as Brian Friend, 37, of 36 Linden Lane, Middleborough, MA, according to the officer’s report.
Morretti noted Friend’s eyes were bloodshot and watery, and that there was strong odor of alcohol coming from the car. As the two spoke, Morretti also noted the driver’s speech was slurred.
Friend told Morretti he was heading home, and that he thought he might be in Fall River.
Morretti asked Friend to perform some sobriety tests, during which he demonstrated a lack of smooth pursuit and involuntary eye movement in his vision, stumbled off-line during a walk and turn test and had to be prevented from falling over.
During a one-leg stand test, Friend said to Morretti, “This is not going to happen. I know I’m drunk.”
Morretti arrested Friend, arranged for his car to be towed by Herb’s Towing, and transported him to Warwick Police Headquarters, 99 Veterans Memorial Drive, where he registered a .217 and .222 on successive blood alcohol tests.
Morretti charged Friend with DUI, .15 or greater, and cited him for speeding and failing to obey marked lanes.
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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