SK Police Log: Slew of DUIs

Triple the Limit

Ann M. Galligan, 58, of 68 Atlantic Ave., South Kingstown, was charged with driving under the influence on Aug. 25 after a resident called police to report a possible drunk driver swerving all over Route 1.

Officers pulled over Galligan’s silver Mercedes just north of Government Center at about 7:30 p.m. While she initially claimed she hadn’t had anything to drink, officers reported smelling alcohol on her breath. She also appeared confused and disoriented, and was slurring her words, according to reports. In Galligan’s car, police reportedly found two empty bottles of chardonnay, four empty cans of Budweiser and an empty nip of raspberry vodka.

After allegedly failing three field sobriety tests, officers arrested Galligan and took her to the police station, where she allegedly registered blood-alcohol levels of .301 and .304, both more than triple the legal limit of .08.

'Difficult, Childish' Defendant

Tammy Riopel, 47, of 140 Elm St., Worcester, MA, was charged with driving under the influence and refusal to submit to a chemical test on Aug. 25 after she reportedly left the scene of an accident on Route 1 near the Tower Hill Fire Department.

The victim of the accident police said Riopel caused chased her gray Mercury and was able to block her in a mile down the road. Riopel told police she was trying to pull off the road to get to a safer location. Officers reportedly smelled alcohol on her breath and noticed her eyes were bloodshot.

Riopel told the officers she had just two drinks before getting in the car, but she was reportedly unable to complete any of three field sobriety tests. She also began acting “difficult and childish,” according to reports, talking in circles and refusing to give straight answers to officers’ questions.

Riopel was processed at the South Kingstown police station and released a couple hours later with a Sept. 3 court summons.

'Guys, Take Me In' 

Robert W. Anthony, 33, of 1651 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, was charged with DUI, refusal to submit to a chemical test, driving on the wrong side of the road and driving with a suspended registration on Aug. 24. after officers allegedly saw him speeding on Mooresfield Road and drifting across the double yellow line.

Anthony, who officers reported smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes, initially said he had had two beers that night, then quickly corrected himself, saying it was three. But after allegedly failing the first field sobriety test, Anthony reportedly stopped in the middle of the “walk-and-turn” test and said, “Guys take me in now. I’ve had too much to drink.” Officers took the advice and arrested him.

Other DUI Arrests

Donna Difilippo, 50, of 11 Belgrade Ave., Pawtucket, was charged with DUI, refusal, laned roads violation and driving with an open container on Aug. 24 after she reportedly passed a police car at 70 mph in a 50 mph zone on Route 1 and continually weaved in and out of the right-hand lane.

Brian D. Tyler, 39, of 135 Juniper Road, was charged with DUI, refusal and speeding on Aug. 23, after officers allegedly clocked him riding his motorcycle 77 mph in a 50 mph zone on Route 1.

James C. Maclean, 20, of 71 Old North Road, Kingston, was charged with DUI Aug. 22 after officers allegedly clocked him traveling 50 mph in a 25 mph zone on Kingstown Road. Maclean consented to a Breathalyzer test at the scene, and allegedly recoded a blood alcohol level of .144, higher than the legal limit of .08.