I-Team: Rhode Island lawmaker accused of DUI
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Sullivan Charged With DUI
A Rhode Island state representative has been charged with drunken driving.
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State Rep. Raymond Sullivan Jr.
State police arrested a Rhode Island state lawmaker early Wednesday on suspicion of drunken driving, the NBC 10 I-Team reported.
The I-Team reported that state Rep. Raymond Sullivan Jr., D-Coventry/West Greenwich, was stopped at about 1 a.m. while traveling north on Interstate 95 in Warwick. Police said his vehicle was swerving in and out of the breakdown lane.
According to a police report, Sullivan could not properly recite the alphabet, his speech was slurred and his eyes were bloodshot.
Sullivan tested .178 on an alcohol breath test, more than twice the legal limit.
Sullivan said in a statement released Wednesday that he will address the allegations in court.
“I want to express my sincere respect for both the Rhode Island State Police and Rhode Island’s judicial system. As this is a pending matter before the courts, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time,“ Sullivan said.
Sullivan was initially arraigned at the Wickford state police barracks. His next court appearance is May 4.
“Representative Raymond Sullivan is a well-respected member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives. I am confident that he will work diligently to resolve this matter in an appropriate fashion,“ House Speaker William Murphy said in a statement.
Sullivan is deputy majority leader.
He was elected to the General Assembly in 2004, and he managed Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in Rhode Island.
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Reader Reactions
This response is directed at Mikwriter:
MADD RI is a fine organization committed to the safety of Rhode Islanders.
Your comment suggests to us all that you are simple minded because I am confident that MADD RI does not encourage our state’s law makers to drink and drive. Furthermore, MADD RI has no law enforcement jurisdiction so how exactly do you recommend they “get after” this alleged offender.
How dare the police even arest this guy don’t all you people know laws are made for the little people connected men of power like Mr sulivan are above the law !
Heck they write the laws to apply to us not for them .
They are special just ask them ~!
Bob Cumberland
Where is MADD on this? I guess they don’t want to get after one of their political power pals.
He’ll get off with one of his buddy dem judges…when is RI going to wake up?
The same thing will happen to him that happened to TWO TC members here in coventry. One for beating on his wife the other for DUI, NOTHING!!!!
They lawyer up with other heavy hitters on smith hill and all the bad stuff goes away and the majority of the voters vote them back into office. So, he’ll walk around declaring how he’s gonna let the courts deal with it and deal with it they will, it will ALL GO AWAY. Aint’ being an elected person in RI GRAND!!!
Can anyone tell me why the people keep electing these lesfist, commie Democracts year after year?
bust em down and make him feel like trash , just like they do to anybody who every gets caught why isnt madd jumping on the bandwagon do they get or give kickbacks for power?......
funny every time the assembly gets together you would swear they are all drunk. seriously I commend the arresting officer for arresting Rep.Sullivan now we will see if the courts will hold Mr Sullivan accountable OR drop the charges.
Mmm unfortunate incident. Well-respected. He is no better than anyone else caught drinking & driving. He’s a representative so that means he couldn’t have killed someone just as easily as anyone of us. He should have know better & should have his license suspened. This goes in line with way they will not raise the taxes on alcohol, RI goverment loves their drinks.
suspend his license, make him take aa classes and fine him. no reason why he shouldn;t suffer the same penalties as any other citizen
good for him!
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