Rhode Island man facing several charges after striking two State Police cruisers

The Rhode Island State Police today announced the arrest of a Rhode Island man for Driving Under the Influence, after he struck two marked Rhode Island State Police cruisers on Saturday night, sending two Troopers to the hospital.

“Last year, the Rhode Island State Police made over 1,000 arrests for impaired driving, and we are working hard to make our roads safe for everyone on them, including our Troopers,” said Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety. “I’m thankful that these Troopers sustained only minor injuries and want to once again remind drivers to drive sober and move over when they see emergency lights.”

At approximately 1:15 a.m., three marked cruisers were stopped in the left lane of Route 6 West, in Providence, with their emergency lights activated, awaiting the arrival of DOT Trucks to assist with the cleaning of road debris from an earlier collision. 40-year-old Joseph L. Giudici of Johnston, RI struck one of the cruisers in the front passenger-side, in a side swipe manner, and continued on to strike a second cruiser in the rear bumper and passenger side. This collision caused serious damage to both cruisers and Giudici’s vehicle.

Both Troopers were treated on scene by Providence Rescue and subsequently transported to Rhode Island Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries and released. Giudici was treated on scene and transported to Rhode Island Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation on scene, and at the Hospital, determined that Giudici showed signs of impairment and he consented to a blood test. He was charged with Driving Under the Influence (BAC Unknown -Blood test resulting pending), Driving to Endanger Resulting in Personal Injuries (2 Counts) and Reckless Driving. He will appear in 6th District Court on February 1, 2024.