Johnston Man Charged With DUI After Crashing Into 2 RI State Police Cruisers

JOHNSTON, RI — A Johnston man was arrested Sunday after Rhode Island State Police said he crashed into two state police cruisers while driving impaired.

State police on Monday said Joseph Giudici, 40, was charged with driving under the influence (blood-alcohol level unknown, pending blood test results), two counts of driving to endanger resulting in personal injury, and reckless driving.

"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," RI State Police Col. Darnell Weaver said. "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."

State police said the crash happened around 1:14 a.m. on Route 6 westbound in Providence. Three marked cruisers were stopped in the left lane with their emergency lights activated while troopers waited for Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) trucks to come and remove debris in the road from an earlier crash.

State police said Giudici sideswiped one cruiser, then struck a second one in the rear bumper and passenger side. The crash caused serious damage to both cruisers and Giudici’s vehicle.

Both troopers were treated on scene before being taken to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. State police said the two troopers have since been released after being treated for minor injuries. Giudici was also taken to Rhode Island Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to state police.

State police said Giudici showed signs of impairment at the scene of the crash and at Rhode Island Hospital. He consented to a blood test, state police said.

Giudici will appear in Sixth District Court on Feb. 1.

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