PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WPRI) — A Portsmouth man accused of driving drunk and crashing head-on into a Middletown police officer faced a judge Monday morning.
Celio Da Silva Aleixo, 39, was arraigned on charges including driving under the influence resulting in serious bodily injury.
Police said Da Silva Aleixo was driving on East Main Road around 10:30 p.m. Friday when he crossed the center lines and hit a pickup truck being driven by Lt. David Bissonnette, who was on his way to work.
Bissonnette was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries.
In court Monday, Detective Jean Stewart revealed Da Silva Aleixo was still in the driver’s seat when first responders arrived. He smelled of alcohol and his speech was slurred, Stewart said, adding that police found an open bottle of tequila inside his car.
WATCH: Da Silva Aleixo arraignment (story continues below)
Da Silva Aleixo was arrested after he failed field sobriety tests, according to Stewart.
Following his arraignment, Da Silva Aleixo posted bail and was released with the condition that his license be suspended. He’s due back in court May 25.
