Driver found unconscious with child in car faces DUI charge

Driver found unconscious with child in car faces DUI charge

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LINCOLN, R.I. (WPRI) — An Attleboro man was arrested Wednesday after being found unconscious and allegedly intoxicated in a car with a child in the back seat.

ORIGINAL NOTE: https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/blackstone-valley/driver-found-unconscious-with-child-in-car-faces-dui-charge/

Lincoln Police responded to Old River Road around 4:05 p.m. after receiving reports of a man sleeping in a car partially parked on a lawn and sidewalk.

Upon arrival, officers reportedly found 32-year-old James Colbert unconscious with his young son in the back seat.

After waking Colbert, police said he exhibited signs of possible impairment, including a strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot watery eyes and slurred speech.

Following field sobriety tests, police arrested Colbert on suspicion of driving under the influence.

He faces the following charges:

  • First-offense DUI
  • Driving under the influence with a child under 13 years old
  • Refusal to submit to a preliminary breath test
  • Refusal to submit to a chemical test
  • Leaving the lane of travel

Colbert was arraigned and released. He is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 5 for the refusal charges and Aug. 19 for the criminal charges.

Police said the child was safely released to a family member at the scene and DCYF was notified.