Police: Hit-and-run suspect had toddler in car, BAC 3x legal limit
by: Sarah Doiron
LINCOLN, R.I. (WPRI) — A Cumberland man believed to be involved in a hit-and-run crash Friday morning was caught driving under the influence with his 3-year-old daughter in the back seat, according to police.
Joseph Rivera, 28, was arrested shortly after an officer pulled him over on Old River Road in Lincoln under suspicion that he fled after a crash near I-295 in Massachusetts.
Police said the officer noticed Rivera’s eyes were bloodshot and his car smelled of alcohol. The officer also found an open nip bottle of rum near the driver’s seat, according to police.
Rivera was taken into custody after failing several field sobriety tests. Police said a breathalyzer test revealed his blood-alcohol content was 0.303, which is nearly four times the legal limit.
His daughter was unharmed and eventually picked up by her mother, police added.
Rivera, whose license was immediately suspended, is charged with driving under the influence and child endangerment. He was held on $3,500 surety bail pending his next court date, which is scheduled for Aug. 28.