I-Team: Rhode Island lawmaker accused of DUI

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.