Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

By Talia Buford
Journal staff writer

A man the police say ran his vehicle into an officer during a traffic stop Wednesday has been charged.

Jose A. Rodriguez, 25, of 1417 Plainfield Pike in Johnston, was charged last night with assault with a deadly weapon, reckless driving, driving under the influence and operating a vehicle on a suspended license. He was arraigned in Kent County District Court this morning.

According to the police, Rodriguez ran into a Cranston police officer as he approached Rodriguez's car near Dyer Avenue and Cranston Street just before midnight Wednesday. As the car approached the officer, the officer fired at the car, said Maj. Ronald Blackmar. Rodriguez and an unspecified number of occupants fled in the car but were stopped again near Terrace Avenue in Providence.

The officer, Rodriguez and the other occupants of the car were taken to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment and released shortly after. The officer sustained some injuries and is home on work related medical leave.

Rodriguez was seen before a bail commissioner Thursday night and formally appeared in court this morning. Officers from the Cranston Police Department, the Rhode Island State Police and the Attorney General's office are still investigating.

 Tags  Cranston hit and run Johnston Rodriguez

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