Woonsocket Officer Arrests Man for DUI after Driver Peels Out on Mt. St. Charles Ave.

Woonsocket Police Officer Jason Berthelette was finishing an investigation on Mount St. Charles Ave. 5:30 p.m. May 25 when he saw a 2013 black Chevy convertible peel out and fishtail while taking a left from St. Barnabe onto Mt. St. Charles, sending rocks, sand and pieces of asphalt into the road.

A second officer stopped the vehicle, driven by John A. Kennedy, 49, of 1866 Mendon Road, Apt. 2F. Berthelette spoke with Kennedy, who told him he was just leaving a bar and, since he was in a rented convertible, was showing off a little for his friends, according to Berthelette's report. Kennedy claimed he used to drive in demolition derbies and was in control of the vehicle the entire time. Berthelette noted an odor of alcohol from Kennedy, and asked him to perform a series of sobriety tests. 

Kennedy made an improper turn during the walk and turn, put his foot down during the one-leg stand and failed the gaze test. Kennedy submitted to a breath test on the scene, registering a .093 percent. Berthelette arrested him and transported him to Woonsocket Police headquarters. During the arrest, Berthelette searched him, finding a package of marijuana on his person weighing less than an ounce.

At the station, Kennedy refused to take another breathalyzer test. Berthelette charged Kennedy with DUI, first offense, blood alcohol unknown, refusing to submit to a chemical test, and possession of marijuana, one ounce or less, a violation.