A car driven by a single occupant plunged into the Pawcatuck River at the end of Coggswell Street near the Malted Barley restaurant at approximately 12:20 a.m. Tuesday. The driver, who has not been identified, escaped the vehicle uninjured and was transported to a hospital as a precaution due to the frigid temperature of the water, Stonington Police Captain Todd Olsen said.

An unidentified man standing behind the Malted Barley saw the car go into the river and helped the driver to the bank, Olsen said.

The driver, who Olsen said was from Providence and unfamiliar with the area, was subsequently charged with reckless driving and DUI.

Westerly, Pawcatuck, North Stonington and Watch Hill fire departments were trying to locate the vehicle, but rushing water as a result of overnight storms created a hazardous situation and the search was expected to be called off early Tuesday afternoon, Olsen said.