Grand Jury Indicts Man Accused of Striking, Killing Retired Middletown Police Officer with Truck at Naval Station

The man accused of striking and killing a retired Middletown police captain while driving a government vehicle at Naval Station Newport last year has been indicted.

A federal grand jury in Providence returned a one-count indictment charging Alan Bradley, 53, of Newport, R.I., with operating a motor vehicle in reckless disregard of the safety of others resulting in the death of another person.

Bradley was released on unsecured bond and standard conditions, with the additional condition that he not drive, following his arraignment today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan. A not guilty plea was entered.

According to court documents, Bradley was driving a government vehicle when he hit Frank Lema Sr., 70, who was employed in the security department on the base.

Lema, who had returned to work following a motorcycle accident, had recently lost his wife of 48 years, Janice. She died as a result of injuries sustained in that June 18 motorcycle crash.

The couple left behind five children.

Bradley reportedly had an epileptic seizure while driving at the base in the 190s and had an accident then. He was subsequently barred from driving on the base.

Lema was walking on foot when Bradley struck him while behind the wheel of the pickup truck.

Operating a motor vehicle in reckless disregard of the safety of others resulting in the death of another person is punishable by a statutory penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison followed by up to 3 years’ supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000.

The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch.