Police arrest former Providence Police officer on weapons, drug, and other charges

Colonel James M. Manni, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety, announce the arrest of Stephen W. Kennedy, 31, of 29 Brooks Street, Cranston, Rhode Island for Driving Under the Influence of Liquor or Drugs, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance (Fentanyl), Driving to Endanger Resulting in Physical Injury and Carrying a Weapon While Under the Influence of Liquor or Drugs.

On Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at approximately 11:10 PM, Rhode Island State Police Trooper Daniel O’Neil was on duty and monitoring traffic while parked on the grass shoulder of Route 95 North in the City of Warwick. The State Police allege Kennedy was operating his 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Route 95 North in the City of Warwick. As Mr. Kennedy passed the Airport Connector, his vehicle exited the roadway and struck Trooper O’Neil’s marked State Police vehicle. Kennedy displayed signs of impairment at the time of the crash and subsequently consented to a blood test for drugs or alcohol. Based on a follow-up investigation, the Rhode Island State Police allege Kennedy was operating his vehicle in a reckless manner and under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. It is also alleged that Kennedy possessed a Scheduled II Controlled Substance (Fentanyl) and at the time of the crash was in possession of a firearm.

Kennedy was arraigned at State Police Headquarters and released on personal recognizance. He is scheduled to be re-arraigned in Kent County District Court on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.