SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — The South Kingstown Police Department arrested a Massachusetts woman for Driving Under the Influence early Sunday morning after officers encountered her traveling the wrong way on Route 1 in South Kingstown.
At approximately 3:05 a.m., South Kingstown Police officers observed a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction on Route 1. Officers immediately took action to stop the vehicle and prevent a serious or potentially fatal collision. After first being observed by officers, the vehicle continued traveling the wrong way for approximately two additional miles before officers were able to safely bring it to a stop. In doing so, officers placed themselves in harm’s way to protect other motorists traveling on the highway.
The operator was identified as 50-year-old Ana L. Vega of Quincy, Massachusetts.
Following the stop, Vega exhibited signs of impairment and failed standardized field sobriety tests administered by officers. She was subsequently taken into custody and transported to South Kingstown Police Headquarters, where she submitted to breath alcohol testing. The two breath test results were 0.11 and 0.10.
Vega was charged with DUI of Liquor or Drugs – First Offense / BAC .10–.15 and held overnight for morning arraignment.
This marks the third impaired-driving arrest made by South Kingstown Police officers since Friday during the Labor Day holiday weekend.
Chief Matthew C. Moynihan praised the officers’ actions and expressed concern over the number of impaired-driving arrests made in such a short period of time.
“Thankfully, no one was injured, but this incident could have ended very differently. What is particularly troubling is that this is already the third DUI arrest our officers have made in South Kingstown since Friday. Three impaired drivers in one holiday weekend is three too many. Each represents a decision that placed innocent motorists and our officers at unnecessary risk “In this case, our officers recognized an extremely dangerous situation and acted immediately. This driver continued traveling the wrong way for approximately two miles after officers first observed her, despite officers’ attempts to stop the vehicle, creating an extraordinary danger for anyone on Route 1. Our officers put themselves in harm’s way to stop this vehicle before she injured herself or someone else, and I am extremely proud of their actions. We have been reminding everyone throughout the holiday weekend to make a plan before going out. If you are going to drink, designate a sober driver, use a rideshare, or find another safe way home. There is simply no excuse for driving impaired.”
The South Kingstown Police Department continues to conduct enhanced impaired-driving enforcement throughout the Labor Day holiday period as part of its ongoing commitment to traffic safety.
All criminal charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
