Police Log

The Police Log is a digest of reports provided by the Johnston Police, Rhode Island State Police and other departments.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

On March 11 around 9:30 p.m., Sergeant David Loffler responded to Dante Avenue to assist Officer Mario Mennella with a motor vehicle accident involving several parked vehicles.

At the scene, Sgt. Loffler observed the suspect driver, later identified as Wayne Eibel, 43, of 46 Dante Avenue in Johnston, leaning against his Ford truck that was parked partially on the front lawn of the residence. According to the report, Eibel stated he was coming home, and while speaking with him the officers detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from him and that he showed signs of intoxication.

Eibel also had a laceration on the bridge of his nose, an injury he stated occurred when he fell out of his truck. A Johnston Fire Department Rescue arrived on scene to provide assistance, and for safety reasons Eibel was placed on the gurney inside the rescue. There, Eibel was asked to partake in a series of standardized sobriety tests, which he agreed to. Based upon his performance and the officers’ training and experience, it was determined that Eibel would be placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence.

Eibel was transported to the hospital while Sgt. Loffler followed. There, Eibel consented to a blood test. A sample was obtained and collected for evidence. Eibel was later released with a Third District Court summons on the charge of driving under the influence.

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At approximately 9:06 on March 10, Officer Michael Martufi Jr. was dispatched to the intersection of George Waterman Road and Putnam Avenue for a report of a single car accident. Upon arrival the officer discovered a black Hyundai facing north in the southbound lane of George Warerman Lane with damage to the front bumper. The vehicle was partially on the sidewalk and adjacent to a stone retaining wall.

According to his report, as Officer Martufi exited his cruiser he was approached by a male subject who stated he was driving behind the Hyundai on Putnam Avenue and witnessed it strike the stone wall after it turned onto George Waterman. According to the witness, the car was operating erratically as it swerved in and out of the lane of travel and almost stuck passing motorists.

Officer Martufi then made contact with the suspect driver, later identified as Michael Fratus, 38, of 155 Carolyn Street in Warwick, who was still buckled into the driver’s seat but was unresponsive. The officer attempted to open the driver’s side door but it was locked. He then knocked on the window and shined his flashlight onto Fratus’ face, but he remained unresponsive.

The report notes that Officer Martufi noticed that Fratus’ skin tone was turning a pale blue and that his eyes were rolling back in his head and requested that a Johnston Fire Department Rescue respond. Several additional officers and the rescue arrived on scene shortly thereafter.

JFD personnel were able to break open the window open and gain access to Fratus to render aid. The vehicle’s keys were removed from the ignition and Fratus was taken from the car. He was then transported to the hospital.

Once at the hospital, Officer Martufi found that Fratus was now conscious and alert. He consented to submit to a blood chemical test, which was collected for evidence.

Based upon the officer’s experience and training, it was determined that Fratus would be arrested and formally charged with driving under the influence and laned roadway violations. He was later released with a District Court summons.