Rhode Island law enforcement didn’t take a holiday break during the New Year’s season, making 108 arrests for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) between December 27, 2024, and January 5, 2025. The crackdown was a collaborative effort among all 38 municipal police departments and the Rhode Island State Police, aimed at keeping roads safe during the busy holiday period.

“I’m proud of the work that our police officers are doing to keep our roadways safe, but at the same time, these numbers are deeply concerning,” said Colonel Bradford Connor, President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and Warwick Chief of Police. “Driving under the influence is never acceptable, and our message is clear: if you choose to drink or use cannabis and drive, you will be caught, and you will be arrested. This holiday season, 108 people learned that the hard way and will spend the next months—and years—dealing with the consequences.”

Harsh Penalties for a Costly Mistake

Rhode Island’s DUI laws carry significant penalties for offenders. A first-time DUI conviction can result in:

• A jail sentence of up to one year at the Adult Correctional Institution (ACI).
• License suspension lasting 3 to 18 months.
• Mandatory community service ranging from 10 to 60 hours.
• Fines between $100 and $500, with additional fees that can add up to thousands.

Refusing to take a chemical test, such as a blood, breath, or urine test, also has serious consequences. First-time refusals can lead to:

• License suspension for six months to one year.
• Fines of $200 to $500.
• Community service requirements and mandatory alcohol or drug education programs.

Repeat offenders face even stiffer penalties, including potential incarceration and extended license suspension or ignition interlock periods.

A Deadly Gamble

Despite widespread campaigns against impaired driving, the holiday season often sees a spike in DUIs. Law enforcement and public safety officials are urging Rhode Islanders to plan ahead, use rideshare services, or designate a sober driver to avoid endangering lives and facing life-altering legal repercussions.

“This isn’t just about getting arrested—it’s about saving lives,” Connor emphasized.

As Rhode Island moves into 2025, the message remains firm: impaired driving will not be tolerated, and law enforcement will be out in full force to ensure the roads remain safe for everyone.

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With the calendar turning to January, United Way of Rhode Island is reminding nonprofits that there are now less than 90 days until the return of 401Gives on Tuesday, April 1.

As the Ocean State’s single largest philanthropic effort on behalf of local nonprofits, organizations across the state are encouraged to participate and raise funds to support their work. All Rhode Island-based nonprofits are invited to register now at 401Gives.org.

Already, 133 nonprofits have registered, according to United Way of Rhode Island. In 2024, its fifth year, 401Gives raised a record $3.86 million to benefit 597 organizations in the state, prompting nearly 25,000 gifts from Rhode Islanders. The day is powered by the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of Rhode Island.

“Since the very first 401Gives, we’ve seen some incredible outcomes as the result of Rhode Islanders coming together to support the causes they care about most,” said Nancy Wolanski, director of the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of R.I. in a statement. “Each year we have seen 401Gives reach new heights.  It’s an opportunity to highlight the tremendous work being done every day by small and large nonprofits across the state.  We’d love to see more organizations participate than ever so that all of us can learn about new nonprofits doing great work and addressing issues that matter deeply to our communities.”

A unified day of giving that makes it easy both for nonprofits to participate and for individuals to make donations to them, 401Gives utilizes an online fundraising platform and harnesses the power of social media and peer-to-peer outreach. 

Once registered, nonprofits can begin customizing their individual 401Gives page to share their stories, the impact of their work in the community, and highlight what they’re raising money for. Each organization’s 401Gives page features the ability to house images, embedded video, and more. And as part of the 401Gives experience, the Alliance offers an online library of webinar and training videos, and a Nonprofit Toolkit that includes sample emails, social media tips, and downloadable graphics.

To learn more about 401Gives or if there are questions, contact Caitlynn Douglas at (401) 444-0720, or email 401Gives@unitedwayri.org.

A Rhode Island man is facing charges after allegedly body slamming an Attleboro mother of two during a suspected road rage incident Friday, according to court records.

Police responded near Newport Avenue at Highland Avenue in Attleboro just before 9 a.m. on Friday, where they found Hailea Soare on the ground, bleeding and crying, according to a police report filed in Attleboro District Court.

Gladior Kwesiah, of Pawtucket, was arrested without incident and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, vandalism of property, and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, according to court dockets. 

Multiple witnesses told police that Kwesiah and Soares were arguing outside their cars after her vehicle allegedly rear-ended his vehicle at the intersection, according to the report.

All three witnesses allege that Kwesiah, 26, “body slammed” her onto the pavement, while two told police that he also stepped on her glasses that fell to the ground. One witness said that Soares “smacked” Kwesiah before he picked her up, lifted her over his head, and dropped her on her head, according to police. 

The body slam can be seen in videos shared by local news stations. The police report notes that Soares is 5 feet tall and 120 pounds, while Kwesiah is 6 foot 3 inches and more than 300 pounds.

Soares was transported to Study Memorial Hospital, where she was treated for a fractured knee, fractured foot, and head laceration, according to police. 

She also suffered damage to her eye socket and “a serious skull injury,” a GoFundMe started by her family said. The fundraiser has collected more than $18,000 from nearly 500 donors out of its $30,000 goal, as of Sunday evening. 

“As a single mother of two young children, Hailea now faces an uphill battle – physically, emotionally, and financially,” the GoFundMe said. “These injuries will keep her out of work for months. The financial strain of medical bills, therapy costs, and providing for her children is overwhelming.”

Kwesiah was held in the Bristol County House of Correction after not posting bail on Friday.

Molly Farrar is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on education, politics, crime, and more.