Update: Charges Dismissed Against Alleged Drunk Driver
A Massachusetts man was arrested after he led police on a chase at 20 mph.
Editor’s note: charges against Stephen Kenney were dismissed earlier this year (2011). This article has been updated to reflect that development.
Stephen Kenny, 28, of 300 2nd Ave., Apt. 3147 in Needham, MA, was arrested Wednesday at 11:44 p.m. on charges of driving under the influence and reckless driving, charges he vehemently denied. They were later dismissed.
An off-duty North Kingstown detective reported a reckless driver traveling south on Route 2 toward North Kingstown to East Greenwich police. The detective noticed that Kenny’s headlight was dangling from the socket as he was leaving the parking lot of Walgreens in East Greenwich. The detective followed the SUV down Route 2 and saw him travel completely over the double-yellow line on multiple occasions. According to the detective, “At any time if another vehicle was coming the other way in the northbound lanes this vehicle may have caused a head-on accident.” The detective also saw Kenny hit a snow bank at Middle Road before bouncing back onto the road.
Two officers from East Greenwich along with officers from North Kingstown finally caught up to Kenny and him pulled over just south of Allie’s Donuts. According to police, Kenny appeared under the influence and "oblivious" to their questions. He also alleged that the damage to the front of his car was pre-existing. (Warwick police believe Kenny had struck multiple signs in the city prior to entering East Greenwich.)
While speaking with officers, Kenny allegedly became agitated and then sped off after police tried to remove the keys from the ignition, prompting police to chase him down Route 2 at 20 mph. The officers boxed in Kenny, causing him to slow even further and forcing him to pull over.
Officers removed Kenny from the car and told him to “get on the ground” before arresting him. While searching Kenny’s car, they reportedly found a half empty bottle of vodka and a small dachshund.
Kenny was transported to Fourth District Court the next morning for arraignment. Kenny insisted the police reports were inaccurate and he was not intoxicated when he was pulled over. The prosecution later dismised the charges against him.
