RI State Rep. Enrique Sanchez Charged With DUI In Cranston: Reports

CRANSTON, RI — Cranston police said they arrested state Rep. Enrique Sanchez (D-Providence) on Monday after he drove under the influence of alcohol.

Sanchez, a second-term representative, was charged with DUI, refusing a chemical test and failure to obey traffic control devices. Police said Sanchez was arrested around 3 a.m., after his car was found on Reservoir Avenue stopped at a green light.

Police shared bodycam video with NBC 10, which showed Sanchez telling the officer he was on his way home to Providence from a friend's house in Central Falls. The officer told Sanchez he was driving the wrong direction to get home, and he smelled like alcohol.

"Speaker Shekarchi learned about Rep. Sanchez’s arrest from media reports, and we do not know the full extent of the circumstances," Rhode Island State House spokesperson Larry Berman told WPRI 12. "Our office is in the process of gathering more information."

Sanchez pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Monday morning and was released on personal recognizance.

Editor's note: This post was derived from Cranston police information and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the removal request process for Rhode Island Patch police reports.

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.