Man Charged with DUI After Near-Misses on Main Street in East Greenwich

EAST GREENWICH, RI—A local man is facing a charge of driving under the influence after police say he nearly crashed into oncoming traffic before stopping in the breakdown lane on Main Street and falling asleep behind the wheel.

According to a police report, Joseph P. Morel, 33, of 275 Frenchtown Road, East Greenwich, was arrested after he failed a field sobriety test at around 11:56 p.m. on Sept. 16.

Police got a 911 call reporting a possible drunk driver. The caller said the driver drove into oncoming traffic on Main Street, drifted back into his lane and nearly struck a parked car before stopping on the side of the road in front of 264 Main St.

The caller said that Morel apparently fell asleep right after he pulled over and the car was still in drive when police arrived.

Police said Morel showed signs of intoxication and told officers that he had two glasses of Pinot Grigio and a Jack and Coke before leaving a local restaurant.

He was arrested without incident and along with the DUI charge, is facing charges of refusing a chemical test and driving with a suspended license.

He was due to appear in Kent County Court on Friday for arraignment.