Alleged drunk driver causes crash in midst of Wickford tree lighting
NORTH KINGSTOWN – A serious incident could have turned into something more dangerous when a suspected drunk driver crashed into various parked cars in Wickford during the annual Christmas Tree lighting last Thursday evening.
While on a “fixed foot post” in the area of Brown and West Main Streets for the tree lighting, North Kingstown Police Patrolman Adam Parkinson heard a “loud commotion and screaming” later confirmed to be a black BMW that had collided into a series of parked cars and then came to rest at the intersection, according to the police report. Parkinson along with another officer ran to the intersection where they observed the vehicle disabled with a broken passenger-side axle and the operator later identified as John Milano, 76, of North Kingstown, exiting the vehicle. According to Captain John MacCoy no pedestrians were injured.
“Mr. Milano’s vehicle was stopped just feet from where the spectators had gathered putting specta- tors in considerable risk of bodily harm,” stated North Kingstown Police Lt. Don- ald Barrington in a state- ment.
In speaking with Milano, it appeared to officers he was disorientated and unaware of what happened. His eyes were bloodshot, smelled of alcoholic beverages, unsteady on his feet and at times difficult to understand what he was saying. Stated in the police report, Milano said he had “two large Jamesons” and was coming back from picking up pizza at Dominos’s.
According to witnesses, they observed the vehi- cle traveling on West Main Street when it struck multiple vehicles, later
determined to be four vehicles, which were parked in the eastbound breakdown lane and then continued traveling towards the tree lighting ceremony. Various witnesses stated they
chased the vehicle until it stopped in the intersection.
Based on the accident and the obvious signs of impairment Milano was exhibiting, he was transported to police headquarters where he was administered a serious of Standard Field Sobriety Tests which he performed poorly and was ultimately arrested
for suspicion of driving under the influence. While at the station Milano submitted a breath sample which was recorded at .182 percent, more than twice the legal limit.
Milano was released on personal recognizance and has a 3rd Division District Court date on Dec. 15.