Providence Firefighter Faces Criminal Charges In Motorcycle Crash

CRANSTON, RI — A 39-year-old Cranston resident and Providence firefighter was arrested Sunday and faces criminal charges after police said he crashed into a fire hydrant while driving a motorcycle then fled the scene, leaving an injured woman behind.

Joseph Bouchard faces three criminal charges, including two felonies, after the Cranston Police Department said officers traced him back to his home after he left the scene of the crash on Natick Avenue just after midnight Sunday morning.

According to police, officers arrived at the crash scene and found the injured woman. A police spokesman said officers found evidence that led them to Bouchard on Concord Avenue.

Witnesses told police the woman, who was treated at Rhode Island Hospital, was a passenger on Bouchard's motorcycle. After officers arrived at the Concord Avenue address, they observed the motorcycle being operated by Bouchard, who sustained major injuries.

Bouchard was taken into custody and transported to Rhode Island Hospital. In addition to being charged with driving under the influence and driving to endanger, Bouchard was charged with duty to stop at an accident. That latter two charges are felonies.

Bouchard was also cited for leaving the scene of an accident with damage to a highway fixture and leaving the lane of traffic. He was arraigned by a bail commissioner on Sunday and is scheduled to next appear in court Aug. 25 on the DUI charge.