Rhode Island man facing multiple charges after allegedly operating motorcycle while intoxicated and armed with gun and knife

Attorney General Peter Neronha announced that an East Greenwich man has been charged in Kent County Superior Court with driving under the influence, carrying a gun while intoxicated, and carrying a knife with a blade more than three inches, following a traffic stop in June of 2023.

On November 8, 2023, the Office of the Attorney General charged 34-year-old Timothy Heffernan by way of criminal information, with one count of carrying a weapon while under the influence of alcohol, one count of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, and one count of carrying a concealed blade of more than three inches in length.

As alleged in the criminal information, on June 29, 2023, East Greenwich Police observed a motorcyclist (the defendant) driving erratically on Main Street and conducted a traffic stop.

When speaking with the Heffernan, officers noticed he had bloodshot eyes, a flush red face, and a strong scent of alcohol on his breath. Heffernan subsequently informed the officers that he had a concealed carry permit, and that he was carrying a loaded firearm. They located the firearm in Heffernan’s waistband, as well as a knife on his person.

As alleged, after Heffernan failed several field sobriety tests, officers placed him under arrest.

Heffernan is scheduled for a pre-trial conference on January 4, 2024, in Kent County Superior Court.