One would think a driver in a snowstorm, aware that his license was suspended, would pay special attention to posted speed limits on both counts.
But that was not the case for Timothy Patrick Dunn, who, after crashing his car Jan. 2 during the storm and informing police his license was suspended, incredibly also admitted to speeding before the crash.
East Providence police were dispatched to the area of 1222 Wampanoag Trail near the WHJJ transmitter for a report of a car crash at 12:53 a.m. that day. When they arrived, they found a blue Chevy Lumina facing east on the northbound side of the road. The car's front end had lodged forcefully into a bushy tree on the grass by the road, according to a police report.
Inside the car, according to the report, officers found Timothy Patrick Dunn, 53, of 188 Waterman Ave., Apt. 2nd. Dunn had a small laceration above his left eye and complained of shoulder pain. The car's steering wheel was bent where Dunn had apparently struck it during the crash.
When asked for his license, Dunn told the officer his was expired. He also could not provide proof of insurance or registration for the vehicle.
Dunn told the officers he had been driving north on Wampanoag Trail, faster than the posted speed limit of 45 mph, when he lost control, according to the report. The responding officer noted the road conditions were slippery, and snow was falling at the time.
Dunn was charged with driving with an expired license, failing to use care in conditions requiring reduced speed, and for failing to operate at reasonable and prudent speeds.
His car was towed and he was transported to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
