Cranston Woman Charged after Driving While Catching Pokémon

COVENTRY, RI—A 24-year-old Cranston woman speeding and hunting Pokémon while driving lost control of her car and drove into a ditch on Washington Street early Wednesday, police said.

Coventry police said the incident, which fortunately did not lead to any serious injuries, is a reminder that distracted driving can endanger lives.

Police said that a car was reported off the road on Washington Street Wednesday morning. While speaking with the driver, identified by police as Cassandra A. Tierney, 24, of Cranston, police said "she stated that she was looking for a Pokémon around midnight and drove off the road."

Police later learned that she was driving above the posted speed limit while playing Pokémon.

Tierney was charged with texting while driving, speeding and two other traffic violations.

"Distracted driving is driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving," police said in a post on their Facebook page. "All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. Please pay attention to the road and help maintain the safety of those around you."