3 RISP cruisers struck in 1 month

LINCOLN, R.I. (WPRI) – Rhode Island State Police have reported a troubling trend on Rhode Island highways.

Three police cruisers were struck by cars in the last month and there is one common and dangerous denominator in all of these accidents.

According to police, drunk drivers are at fault for each of the three accidents.

“That’s the most I have seen in a short time period since I have been a trooper. That is something that we don’t want to see,” said Lt. Joseph Philbin.

The latest crash happened on Thursday morning when police say that 31-year-old Seth Calhoon of Cumberland hit a parked cop car.

Calhoon was allegedly driving with a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit.

“It is a little difficult to take when you have the troopers out there doing their jobs in marked cruisers with their lights on and people are becoming so impaired that they are driving into these cruisers. That’s not a good thing,” said Lt. Philbin.

With the holiday weekend quickly approaching, authorities are reminding people to drive sober or get pulled over.

“If your going to have a few drinks have someone else drive the vehicle,” stated Lt. Philbin.

There have been no reports of injury to the troopers inside of the vehicles.

If you suspect that someone is driving drunk, please call *77 or 911.