Driver Crashes Into Cranston Police Cruiser, Suspect Arrested for Driving Impaired
Friday, July 05, 2019
The Cranston Police Department announced Thursday the arrest of Randi J. Ruzzo, age 30, of 108 Preston Avenue, Cranston, RI for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and or drugs after he caused a collision with a marked Cranston Police cruiser.
According to Cranston Police, “At approximately 1:48 am on Thursday morning, a uniformed Cranston Police Officer operating a marked cruiser was on patrol and traveling east on Wayland Avenue to answer a non-emergency call for service. Ruzzo, who was operating a 2010 Hyundai Accent south on Preston Avenue, failed to stop at a posted stop sign located at the intersection of Wayland and Preston Avenue, suddenly entering the path of the police cruiser.”
“The Officer attempted to stop to avoid the collision but did not have sufficient time to brake, causing him to strike Ruzzo’s vehicle broadside. The impact pushed Ruzzo’s vehicle sideways, before hitting a grass berm and causing the vehicle to flip onto its side. Both vehicles came to rest in the yard of a nearby residence located at 184 Wayland Avenue,” reported Cranston Police.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe Cranston Fire Department responded and used the jaws of life to extract Ruzzo from the vehicle. The Officer and Ruzzo received non-life threatening injuries from the crash and were transported to Rhode Island Hospital. A Cranston Police Officer who is trained as a drug recognition expert conducted tests at the scene and hospital and noted that Ruzzo displayed signs associated with drug and/or alcohol impairment.
Ruzzo refused a blood test and remains in the hospital for treatment. He has been summoned to appear for arraignment in the 3rd District Court in Warwick on July 25, 2019, to answer to the charge of with Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor and/or Drugs. He was also cited for Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test and Obedience to Stop Signs, said Cranston Police.
Additional charges may be brought as members of the Traffic Unit are continuing the investigation. The Officer has since been released from the hospital and home recovering from his injuries.
Colonel Michael Winquist said in a statement, “This crash demonstrates the dangers associated with impaired drivers on our roadways, not only to the general public but also our public safety personnel. We urge you to drink responsibly and use a designated driver or ride-sharing service this holiday. For those who choose to drive while under the influence, we will have dedicated DUI patrols throughout the city who will be making arrests.”
