Man charged in Cranston fatal crash

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - Police said Monday they arrested a man accused of buying alcohol for minors killed in a February car crash.

Shawn Powers, 21, turned himself in to police April 23 and was arraigned that day, according to police. Powers pleaded not guilty and was released on $25,000 personal recognizance.

Police said Powers, of Warwick, bought alcohol from a liquor store on Park Ave in Cranston for the underage occupants of the vehicle involved in the Feb. 7 accident on Elmwood Ave. that killed three men.

He is charged with a misdemeanor of supplying alcohol to minors. He faces a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to 18 months in prision.

"Procuring alcohol for minors is illegal and we are going to continue to fight this and ensure that this tragic type of thing doesn't happen again," said Maj. Ronald Blackmar of the Cranston Police Department.

The crash happened at 11:37 p.m. Feb. 7 on Elmwood Ave. and Fourth Avenue. An investigation by police revealed a 2005 white Pontiac G6, driven by Connor Young, was traveling south bound on Elmwood Avenue when Young lost control and the car crossed the double yellow line, into the north bound lanes in the area of Fourth Avenue.

After crossing into the north bound lanes the car was struck by a 1994 Ford Thunder Bird which was traveling north bound on Elmwood Avenue.

Young, 20, and Richard Elliot, 19, were killed in the crash. Christopher Athaide, 22, died from his injuries at short time later at Rhode Island Hospital. Four others were hurt.

Blackmar said speed and alcohol both contributed to the crash.

Police said Young was drunk while driving at least 85 mph in a 35 mph zone.