Newport Man Charged with DUI in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH, RI—A 49-year-old Newport man was charged with driving under the influence after a traffic stop in Portsmouth early Saturday morning.

Police said Eric Brian Kennedy, 49, of 26 Russell Ave., Newport, was stoped at around 12:19 a.m. after an officer on patrol saw him cross the double yellow line on East Main Road.

Kennedy reportedly told police that he had four beers and was "buzzed" and later failed a field sobriety test. He registered a .173 blood alcohol reading during a preliminary breath test, but later refused a chemical test at police headquarters.

Along with the DUI charge, Kennedy was charged with refusing a chemical test and cited for a traffic violation.

Kennedy was later released and is due to appear in Second Division District Court on Thursday for arraignment.