JPD: Driver In Late Night Crash Arrested For DWI

A Providence man faces one count of driving while intoxicated, injuries resulting, following a late night head-on collision on Hartford Avenue, the reported.

Sgt. Joseph Salvadore reported that he was driving in the westbound lane behind the 2000 Volkswagen driven by Lina Conti, of 106 Brown Ave., at about 1:30 a.m. on Mar. 18 when he saw the second vehicle, driven by Henry Poeung, of 100 Greenwood Ave., Providence, cross the center yellow lines form the eastbound lane and hit Conti's car head-on.

Maria Conti, 80, of 1811 Atwood Ave., who was a passenger in Lina Conti's car, was transported by Johnston Fire and Rescue personnel to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment of a broken bones.

Ptlm. Mario Mennella Jr. responded to the scene, where, he reported, Poeung appeared to be intoxicated. Peoung said he had been at a friend's house in Cranston, but did not provide more specific information, Mennella reported.

According to the police report, Mennella conducted several tests to see whether Poeung was drunk, including a preliminary breath test, which registered a .168 blood alcohol level (BAC).

After officers brought him back to police headquarters, Poeung reportedly took two Breathalyzer tests 15 minutes apart, which showed BAC levels of .187 both times, according to Mennella's report.

Det. Anthony Sasso reported that Poeung was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Richard Finnegan at 1:30 p.m. and released on $2,000 surety bail with a scheduled May 22 court hearing.

Both vehicles sustained "heavy disabling damage," Salvadore wrote, and were towed from the scene.