A Rhode Island police officer is facing disciplinary action over his handling of a state lawmaker's arrest last month on marijuana charges.
South Kingstown Police Department Capt. Jeffrey Allen told The Associated Press the unnamed officer failed to administer field sobriety tests to state Rep. Robert Watson, which prevented prosecutors from being able to charge Watson with driving under the influence.
Watson, an East Greenwich Republican, was arrested on a marijuana possession charge Jan. 21. Officers reported Watson appeared intoxicated and was holding an open beer can inside his car.
Allen says the officer should not have asked Watson to wait in his vehicle, where Watson was seen with an open can of beer.
South Kingstown Police Chief Vincent Vespia will decide any disciplinary action against the officer.
Watson is seeking substance abuse treatment.
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