Police Log: Drunk Driver Arrested After Near-Head-On Collision

Emyl Hattingh, 26, of 30 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, MA, was arrested at approximately 11:30 Sunday night for driving under the influence of alcohol; a chemical test produced a blood alcohol concentration of .243, according to the police report. [That level is more than three times the legal limit, which in RI is set at .08.]

According to the report, Middletown Patrol Officer Brett McKinnon observed Hattingh driving on the wrong side of Coddington Highway at about 11:20 Sunday night; a car in front of Officer McKinnon had to swerve to avoid being hit by Hattingh’s car, which was so far out of position that the driver-side tires were on the curb in the wrong lane of travel.

Hattingh’s car then swerved back across three lanes, traveled completely onto the sidewalk and grass, and then returned back to the road. Officer McKinnon immediately intervened. As the officer stood next to the vehicle speaking to the driver, the officer noticed a strong odor of alcohol. Officer McKinnon asked the driver if he knew he almost struck an oncoming vehicle, to which Hattingh replied, “Officer, I am drunk, I’m guilty, I know.”

Hattingh was unaware of the current time of day, was unable to count backwards as instructed, and swayed heavily several times during field sobriety tests that included walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand procedures. Officer McKinnon stopped the test for Hattingh’s safety, placed him in handcuffs, and read him his rights at the scene.

At the Middletown Police Station, Hattingh’s chemical test registered a breath sample of .243, at which time Hattingh was placed in a cell to await arraignment.