Dismay over DUI suspect's release

FOSTER, R.I. (WPRI) - The children of a Foster woman killed in a suspected drunk driving crash are in disbelief that the man accused of causing it has been released on bail.

Police say David Hazard was driving his pickup truck drunk last week, when he slammed head-on into Kathrine O'Toole's car last week, killing the mother of 6. Hazard's bail was lowered to $25,000 Tuesday, which he posted.

"We don't understand why he got out, why the law is so lenient" says Katherin'e daughter Sarah O'Toole. "

Her brother Mark is also upset. "He [Hazard] should be hit harder. It should not have been an easy in, easy out."

Hazard has been arrested eight times before, six for driving on a suspended license. He was convicted last year of refusing a breath test for alcohol. O'Toole's children want to know why he was allowed to drive in the first place following so many run-ins with the law.

Hazard's attorney Priscilla DiMaio says her client is remorseful about the crash. "He is not cold-hearted. He understands there's been a death, and we will have to deal with that in the future," says DiMaio.

As a condition of his bail, Hazard cannot use alcohol or drugs, and has to undergo mental health screenings. While he is allowed to drive, he can only go to and from work and his attorney's office.

O'Toole's family says Hazard deserves a much tougher punishment.

"I would like to see him put away forever," says Sarah O'Toole. "I also want to see the law changed so that if you have a DUI, you can't go out and do it again.