State Police Arrest East Greenwich Hit & Run Suspect In Smithfield

RI State Police arrested a Glocester woman in Smithfield early this morning, charging her with a late night hit and run, striking two pedestrians in East Greenwich, sending them to the hospital last night. 

Rescue workers arrived at 162 Main St., in front of the Greenwich Hotel, just before midnight after a 911 call reporting a pedestrian hit by a car. Fire and rescue personnel found two victims at the scene — a 40-year-old woman with a lower leg injury, and a 49-year-old man, who was unconscious and appeared to have a serious head injury, according to EG Fire Chief Peter Henrikson. He was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital. The woman was transported to Kent County Hospital.

The car that hit the two fled the scene, Henrikson said. 

Shortly after, RI State Police at the Wickford Barracks received a broadcast from the East Greenwich Police Department about the incident, and The Lincoln Woods Barracks received a call from an eye witness driver following the suspect on Rte. 95 North in Warwick. 

Based on its erratic operation and high rate of speed, the caller said the operator appeared to be intoxicated. Troopers stopped the vehicle on Route 44 West in Smithfield.  

The vehicle had sustained damage consistent with having struck a pedestrian, and the operator appeared highly intoxicated, according to RI State Police. The operator, Amanda Ashman, 23, of 37 Pound Road in Glocester, was arrested and charged with:

• Driving Under the Influence of Liquor and or Drugs/Serious Bodily Injuries
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Serious Bodily Injury (2 Counts)
• Driving Under the Influence of Liquor and or Drugs 1st Offense,  .15 or greater: (BAC .265/.261 )
• Possession of Marijuana
• Driving While in Possession of Marijuana
• Speeding (Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal)
• Laned Roadway (Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal)
• No Seat Belt (Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal)

Ashman was held overnight and will be arraigned in Third District Court this afternoon. 

"We thank the motorists that call to report dangerous drivers on the roadway.  They are a valuable asset in the fight against impaired driving.  Motorists are reminded that they can immediately report dangerous drivers or hazardous roadway conditions to the police by dialing 911 or *77 on your cell phone," reads the RI State Police release on the arrest.

The joint investigation by the Rhode Island State Police and the East Greenwich Police is continuing today. State Police ask anyone that has information on the incident to contact Captain Frank B. Castellone at 401-444-1009. 

Get updates on local stories just like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Fast signup here.