Co-workers of 20-year-old Swansea man seriously injured in crash raising money to help, other driver arrested

Co-workers of a 20-year-old Swansea man seriously injured in a crash last night are coming to his aid.

Tristan Tucker works at 5 Guys at 573 Grand Army of the Republic Highway in Swansea and his co-workers have decided to band together to help him in his time of need. This note can be seen at their location.

“One of our workers was in a serious car accident last night and if you know any of us, we love and support our crew through everything. A driver went onto the wrong side of the road and hit him when he was out on break. He is only 20 years old with his whole future ahead of him. He is a very hard worker, amazing and funny person. He is a probably the smartest person when it comes to anything technology and was going to school at MTTI to learn more about technology. We are donating 100% of our tips to him & his family to support them through these times. Any donation is greatly appreciated. If you can’t donate, please keep him in your thought in prayers Thank you.”

Chief Marc Haslam reports that the Swansea Police Department has made an arrest related to the crash that took place Thursday on Swansea Mall Drive.

53-year-old Timothy Couturier of Swansea was charged with Operating Under the Influence of Liquor (Serious Bodily Injury and Negligent Operation), Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Marked Lanes Violation, Failure to Notify RMV of Name/Address Change, Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License, and State Highway – Wrong Way (Vehicle Operation).

At just before 8:00 p.m., crews were dispatched to the scene of a crash near 147 Swansea Mall Drive (Route 118).

According to a preliminary investigation, a vehicle was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Swansea Mall Drive and then struck another vehicle head-on. It was later determined that Couturier was the operator of the wrong-way vehicle. Swansea firefighters used hydraulic tools to extricate Couturier from his vehicle. He was transported to an area hospital.

Swansea police officers pulled Tucker from his on-fire car. According to family, Tucker was in critical condition as of last night.

Couturier was arraigned Friday at his bed at a Providence hospital. He also faces a Fugitive from Justice charge in Rhode Island, as is protocol. He waived extradition to Massachusetts to face charges related to the crash.