Police Arrest Driver After He Strikes Hydrant, Pole

Woonsocket Police Officer Jesse Nunnemacher was monitoring Market Square April 14 at 2:41 a.m. when he noticed a large electrical flash on River Street and investigated, discovering a minivan had crashed into a hydrant and utility pole.

A six-foot tall, 260 lb man, later identified as David Ellis, 34, of 28 Canal St., Apt. 2, Blackstone, MA got out, and Nunnemacher detained him for Officer Jason Berthelette to question, according to his report.

Berthelette spoke to Ellis, detecting a strong odor of alcohol, according to his report. He asked Ellis if he'd had anything to drink that night, to which he replied that he'd had a beer with dinner, Berthelette reported.

Berthelette administered a field sobriety test, which Ellis did not perform well, failing to smoothly track objects with his eyes and failing to follow directions on the walk and turn.

He was arrested and transported to Woonsocket Police headquarters, where he refused his phone call and a chemical test. Ellis was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, blood alcohol unknown, and driving after the suspension of his license, both misdemeanors. He was also cited for refusing a chemical test.