'Drunk Drivers' Nabbed Minutes Apart

Barrington police charged two drivers, both age 23, with drunk driving on County Road within minutes of each other early last Friday morning, June 8.

At 1:35 am, Dalayna Cunha, of 150 Main St., Warren, was pulled over by a patrol officer at Waseca Avenue while she heading south.  He trailed her from near the Barrington Congregational Church, and watched her swerve over the double-yellow lines and fog line several times, according to Barrington Det. Lt. Dino DeCrescenzo.

Cunha claimed her erratic driving was caused by falling asleep at the wheel, the detective said. But the officer said she smelled of alcohol, displayed bloodshot eyes and stumbled while getting out of the car to take a field sobriety test, which she failed.

She also refused to take the Breathalyzer test to check her blood alcohol level.

Cunha was read her rights at the station around 2:21 am before being placed in a cell. She was taken to 6th District Court on Friday morning to be arraigned.

Joining her at the court Friday morning was an East Providence man, Justin A. Priestly, of 65 Benedict St., who was arrested at 1:52 am. He, too, was driving south on County Road before his vehicle spun out at 468 County Road, causing some damage to that property.

Priestley apparently drove into the curb and spun out after driving in the breakdown lane, said DeCrescenzo. Patrol officers said he had a strong odor of alcohol and displayed the classic characteristics of a drunk driver, the detective said.

Priestley also failed the field sobriety test and refused to take the Breathalyzer, DeCrescenzo said.

Priestley was read his rights at the police station on Federal Road at 2:27 am before being placed in a jail cell. He was taken to District Court Friday at 10 am for arraignment.

His vehicle sustained a flat tire after slamming into the curb, DeCrescenzo said.

There were no details on damage to the County Road property.