WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — The pastor of two Coventry parishes who was charged with DUI after hitting a pedestrian in Warwick last month was released on $10,000 personal recognizance following his arraignment Thursday morning.
Police said Jacek Ploch, 38, hit a man who was crossing Airport Road in Warwick on July 14. Police told Eyewitness News Ploch failed field sobriety tests and his blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit.
Ploch did not enter a plea at his arraignment. He’s due back in court Sept. 23.
Last month, the Diocese of Providence confirmed Ploch is the pastor at St. Vincent de Paul and Our Lady of Czenstochowa parishes in Coventry.
The Diocese released a statement saying Ploch was placed on administrative leave following the crash.
“During this time, he is not permitted to minister as a priest,” the Diocese wrote at the time. “Arrangements are now being made to provide for the ongoing pastoral care of the two parishes.”
The victim, identified as Jonathan Freeman, 37, of Warwick, was treated at Rhode Island Hospital and released on July 23.
