Police ID Fatal Crash Victim; Charge Driver With DUI, Death Resulting

An elderly man from Florida has been identified as the victim of a fatal crash Wednesday on Bristol Ferry Road. 

Elia Giusti, 79, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, was pronounced dead at Newport Hospital after the three-vehicle crash on Bristol Ferry Road. 

Portsmouth police responded at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday to Bristol Ferry Road at Mare Terrace for a motor vehicle accident involving three vehicles.

A 2005 Ford F-150, operated by Joseph Kalen, 49, of Bristol, was travelling south on Bristol Ferry Road when the vehicle lost control and crossed the double yellow lines, according to preliminary investigation reports. 

The Ford F-150 then struck a 2005 Lexus, operated by Giusti, travelling north on Bristol Ferry Road.

The Ford F-150 then collided with a third vehicle, a 2006 Ford F-150 operated by Brian Leitao, 26, of Warren. This third vehicle was also travelling north on Bristol Ferry Road. 

Giusti was transported to Newport Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Leitao was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was treated and released. Kalen was transported to Newport Hospital and has since been released. 

Police charge driver in fatal crash

According to police, Kalen of 99 Peck Ave., Bristol, had an aroma of alcohol coming from his breath. He was asked to submit to a chemical test at Newport Hospital, which he allegedly refused. 

Kalen was charged with driving under the influence (DUI), death resulting, and refusal to submit to a chemical test.

Kalen was arraigned by a Justice of the Peace at his hospital bed and released on $2,000 surety bail. He is scheduled to appear in Newport District Court on June 20. 

The accident remains under investigation by the Portsmouth Police Department.

Police are seeking anyone who may have witnessed this accident to contact the Portsmouth police at 401-683-0300.