Johnston Officer Rammed by Unlicensed Driver during Storm

A Johnston Police officer suffered a minor back injury when his patrol car was rammed by an unlicensed driver during the snow storm on Saturday.

According to an accident report, Ptlmn. David Galligan was responding to an accident that had already occurred at 2 Cherry Hill Road when he was suddenly struck in the rear bumper by Luis Gonzales, 25, of 147 Messer St., Providence.

Galligan stated that his cruiser was parked behind a vehicle at the red light located at the intersection of Greenville Avenue and Cherry Hill Road in the northbound travel lane of Greenville Avenue when the accident occurred.

Police said the road was snow covered due to the inclement weather. The cruiser was moderately damaged in the crash but the car Gonzales was driving suffered heavy front end damage.

Gonzales and his passengers did not suffer any injuries, police said. Galligan said he felt minor back pain.

Gonzales told police that he tried to stop but couldn’t due to the snow on the road. He then admitted that he didn’t have a driver’s license. Police said Gonzales also summonsed tor following a vehicle too closely.

Gonzales was summonsed and later released with a Jan. 9 court date.