Bristol Man Charged with DUI in Newport

A 22-year-old Bristol man was charged with driving under the influence just after midnight Friday after he allegedly drove erratically on the Claiborne Pell Bridge and Admiral Kalbfus Road, by swerving and nearly crashing into a median.

Police said Matthew Japikse, of 51 Union St., Bristol, was seen driving dangerously on the bridge and Newport police were notified by the state police as well as a 911 caller.

An officer nearby saw Japiske once he took the ramp to get onto Route 138 and abruptly change lanes and nearly strike the median at the 138 west onramp light, according to a police report.

Police also observed Japiske drive 40 mph in a 25 mph zone and swerve in and out of his lane, the report stated.

Once stopped, Japiske appeared to be intoxicated and nearly fell out of his Jeep Cherokee as police asked him to step out to submit to a field sobriety test, which he failed, police said.

Japiske reportedly told police that he had four 16-ounce beers in South Kingstown before driving.

He also refused a chemical test and was taken into custody without incident and held for arraignment Friday morning in Newport County District Court.