RISP: Johnston man arrested for DUI after striking two RI State Police Cruisers

Crash sent RI State Police Troopers to the hospital

CHARGED: Joseph L. Giudici, 40, of 7 Canonchet Trail, Johnston, has been arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence after he struck two marked Rhode Island State Police cruisers on Saturday night, sending two Troopers to the hospital, according to police. RISP provided photos from the Providence crash scene.

Photos courtesy RISP

Posted Thursday, January 25, 2024 9:22 am

Sun Rise Staff Reports

On Tuesday, Rhode Island State Police announced the arrest Joseph L. Giudici, 40, of 7 Canonchet Trail, Johnston, for Driving Under the Influence after he struck two marked Rhode Island State Police cruisers on Saturday night, sending two Troopers to the hospital.

“Last year, the Rhode Island State Police made over 1,000 arrests for impaired driving, and we are working hard to make our roads safe for everyone on them, including our Troopers,” said Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety. “I'm thankful that these Troopers sustained only minor injuries and want to once again remind drivers to drive sober and move over when they see emergency lights.”

Around 1:14 a.m., three marked cruisers were stopped in the left lane of Route 6 West, in Providence, with their emergency lights activated, awaiting the arrival of DOT Trucks to assist with the cleaning of road debris from an earlier collision, according to a RISP press release.

“Mr. Giudici struck one of the cruisers in the front passenger-side, in a side swipe manner, and continued on to strike a second cruiser in the rear bumper and passenger side,” according to state police. “This collision caused serious damage to both cruisers and Mr. Giudici’s vehicle. Both Troopers were treated on scene by Providence Rescue and subsequently transported to Rhode Island Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries and released. Mr. Giudici was treated on scene and transported to Rhode Island Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.”

An investigation at the scene and the hospital determined that Giudici showed signs of impairment. He consented to a blood test.

Following the investigation, Giudici was charged with Driving Under the Influence (BAC Unknown; blood test results pending), Driving to Endanger Resulting in Personal Injuries (two counts) and Reckless Driving. Giudici is scheduled to appear in 6th District Court on Feb. 1.