On Sunday July 10, 2016 at 9:08 pm, the Warwick Police Department responded to the area of Warwick Avenue and Sandy Lane where they were conducting manual traffic control due to a power outage. While directing traffic a patrolman from the Warwick Police Department’s Traffic Division was struck by a vehicle. The officer, who was alert and conscious after the accident was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he was treated and later released in the early hours of July 11.

The investigation disclosed that the driver of the vehicle was travelling east on Sandy Lane and attempting to make a left hand turn onto Warwick Avenue northbound when he crossed left of center into the direction of oncoming traffic and struck the officer. The operator appeared to be under the influence and a DUI investigation was conducted. The driver of the vehicle, Thomas Horne, 64, of Church Ave in Warwick was charged with Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test and Driving Under the Influence (BAC Unknown).

Any person with information related to the accident is requested to contact the Warwick Police Department Traffic Division at (401)468-4344. Please contact either Captain Connor or Sgt. John Kelly.