North Smithfield Driver Arrested For DUI After Striking Lincoln Police Cruiser

State Police arrested a North Smithfield man Sunday morning for DUI after he drove his car into the cruiser of a Lincoln officer stopped to assist a motorist on Rte. 146. 

State police responded to the scnee at 3:20 a.m. March 3 for a call for a motor vehicle accident on Route 146 North, just north of Route 295. Upon arrival, Troopers observed that Route 146 was shut down and traffic was diverted to Route 295. Three vehicles were involved, including a Lincoln Police Cruiser. All three operators were transported to Rhode Island Hospital for their injuries.

The investigation revealed a Lincoln Police Cruiser responded to a report of a disabled vehicle partially in the left lane of travel.  The Lincoln Officer positioned his cruiser behind the disabled vehicle with his emergency light activated when his cruiser was struck from behind by a Honda Civic.   

The operator of the Honda is identified as Vincent Moranto, age 41, of 3 Woodlawn Road, North Smithfield.

Moranto was arrested at the scene and consented to a blood sample at Rhode Island Hospital. Pending release from the hospital, Moranto will be transported to the Lincoln Woods Barracks, arraigned by Justice of the Peace and scheduled to appear in Sixth District  Court for:

1. Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/BAC Unknown,

2. Possession of Schedule I-V (Hydrocodone), 3.) Driving to Endanger resulting in Personal Injury.