NK Police: Officer Hurt after Drunk Driver Crashes into Cruiser

A North Kingstown police officer was hospitalized after a 54-year-old Narragansett woman crashed into his police cruiser on Tower Hill Road on Friday night.

The driver, identified as Melanie R. Davis of 30 Montauk Road, Narragansett, was charged with driving under the influence and simple assault after she spat at police as she was being arrested, police said.

Police said the officer was conducting a traffic stop on Tower Hill Road near Winsome Drive at around 9:15 p.m. when Davis struck the cruiser.

The police car was in the breakdown lane and its emergency lights were flashing at the time of the accident. The officer had just gotten back inside the car.

After crashing into the cruiser, police said Davis drove into the center median and came to rest against the center guardrail.

“Both vehicles sustained heavy, disabling damage,” police said in a release.

The officer was transported to Rhode Island Hospital. Police did not specify his exact injuries but they are considered non life-threatening. He was released from the hospital this morning and is recovering at home, police said.

Along with the DUI and simple assault charge, police cited Davis for refusing a chemical test, speeding, a laned roadway violation and violating the move-over law.