Police arrest driver in R.I. in hit-and-run of worker on I-95 in Stonington
Stonington ― Police in Rhode Island on Tuesday charged a driver who they say was intoxicated and struck a worker in a construction zone on Interstate 95 and then fled.
The incident, which occurred on the northbound side of I-95 in the area of exits 91 and 92, was reported to state police at 6:32 p.m.
Police said the driver of a GMC Sierra pickup, Julio L. Macancela, 46, of Danbury, was driving in the highway’s left lane, which had been shut down for the construction project, when he struck a construction worker from behind.
Court records show Macancela is currently serving 18 months of probation after being arrested in June 2023 for driving under the influence in Newtown. He also received a six-month suspended prison term and was fined $500.
The worker was identified as 24-year-old Jean A. Guerrero-Machuca, who was working for a contractor for the state Department of Transportation’s road improvement project. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Westerly Hospital for treatment.
Police said Macancela drove away from the scene. Troopers tracked the vehicle to the Rhode Island state line and stopped Macancela with aid from Rhode Island State Police.
In Rhode Island, Macancela was charged with driving under the influence. Connecticut State Police said they have applied for a warrant to charge Macancela with evading responsibility and reckless driving.
“For the safety of the crews and contractors who are working on our roadways, we need the public to slow down, pay attention, and drive sober. Lives depend on it,” DOT spokesman Josh Morgan said.
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