SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) — Three people were sent to the hospital after a car barreled through a construction zone in Smithfield late Thursday night.
Smithfield Fire Chief Rober Seltzer told 12 News there was underground cable work being done by workers on Putnam Pike (Route 44) and the road was partially closed. A police officer was also on both sides of the road directing traffic.
Around 10 p.m., Seltzer says a black SUV hit a police vehicle with an officer inside, then drove through the construction area hitting some equipment and one of the workers before hitting a tree.
The driver, identified as 50-year-old Craig DiPetrillo, of Chepachet, was quickly located and was administered a series of field sobriety tests. He was then taken into custody and a loaded Smith & Wesson .380 Semi-Auto pistol was found in his vehicle.
DiPetrillo was charged with driving under the influence resulting in serious bodily injury, driving to endanger resulting in personal injury, and carrying a weapon while intoxicated. He was also issued additional citations for refusal to submit a chemical test, laned roadway, conditions requiring reduced speeds, and refusal to take a preliminary breath test.
DiPetrillo, the police officer and construction worker were all brought to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
After DiPetrillo was released from the hospital, he was held overnight at the Smithfield Police Headquarters.
He is due in court later on Friday.
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