31-year-old man dead, 36-year-old driver arrested, after fatal late night pedestrian crash

Police have arrested a driver after a fatal pedestrian crash on Thursday night.

According to Chief Paul Gingerella, at approximately 11:00 p.m., members of the Westerly Police Department responded to Oak Street at Haswell Street for a report of a motor vehicle accident.

Upon arrival, officers located 31-year-old Michael A. Depaola of Westerly in the roadway unresponsive, with severe trauma. Officers administered lifesaving measures until he was transported to the Westerly Hospital. At the hospital Depaola did succumb to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by the hospital staff.

An initial investigation by police determined that 36-year-old Matthew Lyons of Westerly was operating a motor vehicle, travelling up Oak Street and struck the Depaola as he was crossing the street. On scene, Lyons was taken into police custody for suspicion of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. At the station he submitted to a breathalyzer test and those readings showed that he had a BAC content of 0.109. Lyons was charged with Driving under the influence of liquor or drugs, resulting in Death. He was arraigned today at 4th District Court and released on surety bail.

The accident remains under investigation.