Thanksgiving DUI Task Force Nets 13 Arrests

Despite warnings about stepped up enforcement of impaired driving laws, 13 people were arrested for driving drunk by the Rhode Island State Police over the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend.

Here’s the list: (all were charged with driving under the influence and refusing a chemical test. Additional charges are noted.)

• Paulo Amorim, 32, of 185 Brentwood Ave, Warwick.
• Oscar Herrera, 39, of 270 Bay View Ave, Cranston.
• Robert Rose, 21, of 76 Highland Ave, Johnston.
• Alan Pennington, 35, of 400 Foxborough, Apt. #3305, Foxborough, Mass.
• Juan Cedeno-Crisotomo, 27, of 146 Whitmarsh St., Providence.
• Ilidio Semedo, 37, of 4 Belmont St., Pawtucket.
• Luis Rodrigues, 44, of 130 Summer St., Central Falls. Rodrigues was also charged with resisting arrest.
• Derek Cabral, 34, of 545 Lafayette Road, North Kingstown.
• Albert Manuel Johnson, age 32, of 11 Clinton St., Apt #2, Pawtucket.
• Scott Brown, 49, of 24 Cross St., Smithfield. Brown was also charged with driving with a suspended license.
• Taja A. Perry, 25, of 130 Galego Court, Apt #D, Pawtucket. Perry was also charged with possession of a controlled substance (Adderall), driving without a license, obstruction of justice and driving in possession of a controlled substance. Police reported that Perry is pregnant.
• Michael A. Pezzullo, 27, of 44 Cold Spring Drive, West Warwick.
• Janice Santiago, 45, of 305 Cowesett Ave, Apt #709, West Warwick.

The state police and police departments across Rhode Island collaborated on the increased enforcement as part of the Operation Blue Riptide DUI campaign.

State Police Superintendent Col. Steven G. O’Donnell said in a statement that the end of the holiday weekend does not mean the end of DUI enforcement.

“The Rhode Island State Police will continue to aggressively enforce the motor vehicle laws with increased emphasis on speeding, driving while impaired, aggressive driving, texting violations, seat belt and child restraint violations. We believe that by continuing these enforcement efforts, it makes the highways safer for all travelers,” he said.

Motorists are reminded that they can immediately report dangerous drivers or hazardous roadway conditions to the police by dialing 911 or *77 on a cell phone.