West Warwick Man Facing DUI, Gun Charges

WARWICK, RI — A West Warwick man was arrested in Warwick after he was caught drunken driving while possessing a gun, Attorney General Peter Neronha said Thursday.

On April 18, Lawrence Cole, 77, was charged in Kent County Superior Court with possession of a large capacity magazine, carrying a firearm while under the influence, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Cole was arrested on Nov. 10, 2023. Around 7 p.m., Warwick police were called to Main Avenue for a report of an erratic driver. Prosecutors said the caller told police someone driving a green Chevrolet pickup truck was swerving all over the road and struck a curb.

When officers arrived, they found the vehicle on East Avenue. Prosecutors said police saw the driver, later identified as Cole, drifting between lanes and frequently applying his brakes.

Police pulled Cole over, who smelled of alcohol and was slurring his words, according to prosecutors. Officers attempted to conduct field sobriety tests, but due to Cole’s poor balance and inability to follow directions, they were unable to complete the tests, prosecutors said. Officers then took the defendant into custody.

When police searched Cole's truck, they found a semi-automatic handgun loaded with a 13-round magazine, as well as another 100 rounds of ammunition, prosecutors said.

Cole is scheduled for arraignment on May 10 in Kent County Superior Court.

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