Officer and construction worker injured; driver arrested, after vehicle reportedly crashes into police cruiser

Three people were injured, including a police officer, after a driver reportedly crashed into a police cruiser at a road construction site on Route 44.

According to Smithfield Police, on Thursday. at 10:15 p.m., a member of the Smithfield Police Department working a private detail in a marked police cruiser with emergency lights activated, was struck while seated in his patrol vehicle on Putnam Pike. The patrol officer was able to relay to dispatch what had occurred and that a construction worker was also struck by the suspect vehicle.

Additional members of the Smithfield Police Department, as well as the Smithfield Fire Department, arrived on-scene and treated the injured officer, as well as a 35-year-old victim, who had sustained serious bodily injury. The driver of the vehicle involved, 50-year-old Craig DiPetrillo, of Chepachet, was quickly located on scene, administered a series of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, and ultimately arrested. Subsequent to the arrest, a loaded Smith & Wesson .380 Semi-Auto pistol was located in the suspect vehicle.

DiPetrillo was arrested on charges of Driving Under the Influence – Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury (Felony), Driving to Endanger – Personal Injury Resulting (Felony), and Carrying a Weapon While Intoxicated (Felony). He was issued additional citations for Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test, Laned Roadway, Conditions Requiring Reduced Speeds (Move-Over law), and Refusal to take a Preliminary Breath Test.

DiPetrillo was held overnight at Smithfield Police Headquarters upon his release from Fatima Hospital. He was arraigned in the 3rd District Court before Judge Christine Jabour where bail was set at $20,000 surety and an order not to drive imposed. His next scheduled court appearance is set for November 25, 2022.