Accused speeding DUI dad faces judge

WAKEFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) - A Westerly man accused of driving 120 miles per hour while drunk, and with his young children in the back seat, is scheduled to face a judge Wednesday.

State troopers, assigned to construction detail on I-95 South in Richmond, pulled over a vehicle after it was observed traveling at a very high speed just after 9 p.m. Sunday.

Upon approaching the vehicle, troopers smelled alcohol on the driver's breath and noticed that his eyes were bloodshot and watery, and that his speech was mumbled. They also observed three children in the backseat.

“When the trooper stopped the vehicle, there was some indication that the operator was intoxicated. He also had three young children in the back of the car, ages 2, 3 and 4,” said Capt. Frank Castellone of Rhode Island State Police.

Officers arrested Derek L. Greene, 25, of 81 Pierce St. Apt. 1, and transported him to the Hope Valley Barracks, where he refused to submit to a breathalyzer test.

Police tell us Greene did admit to drinking earlier in the evening, but claimed that he was not drunk.

"I had four shots and then took some Dayquil to wake up, but I can assure you I am not drunk, I am just trying to get my kids home," said Greene.

The three young children were released to their grandmother, while the Department of Children Youth and Families investigates.

“Not only to double the speed limit. To do it while, we believe, intoxicated, and to do it with three very young children in the car, is certainly a recipe for disaster,” added Castellone.

Greene has been charged with reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. He was also issued traffic summonses for speeding, conditions requiring reduced speed, due care by driver, and refusal to submit to a chemical test.

He was ordered held as a probation violator on a previous felony assault charge.

Greene appeared before a judge Wednesday and was ordered held until his next court date on Nov. 14.