Rhode Island man arrested, one seriously injured after two-vehicle highway crash

One person was seriously injured, and another was arrested after an early morning crash Saturday.

According to Rhode Island State Police, at approximately 12:40 a.m. this morning, Troopers from the Wickford and Hope Valley Barracks responded to calls for a crash involving two vehicles on South County Trail (Route 2) in the Town of Exeter.

Subsequent investigation revealed that a Chevy Equinox, traveling north on South County Trail, was attempting to make a left turn onto Pine View Lane when it was struck by a Toyota Camry, operated by 33-year-old Ryan Iovino of Charlestown, Rhode Island. Witnesses on scene reported that Iovino, traveling southbound, was operating recklessly and traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the crash.

Iovino displayed obvious signs of intoxication on scene and was subsequently charged with Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor and/or Drugs, First Offense – .15 or greater (.186, .177), and Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor and/or Drugs Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury – First Offense.

As a result of the collision, the front seat passenger of the Equinox sustained serious injuries and was transported to Rhode Island Hospital by Exeter Fire and Rescue. The operator of the Equinox and Iovino were not injured.

The crash remains under investigation.

State Police reported that 8 other arrests were made during the night for DWI.