NK Police: Johnston Man Drives Into Hunts River

Man Drives Into Hunts River, Charged With DUI

Michael Pepper, 40, of 67 Walnut St. in Johnston, was arrested last Saturday at 11:54 p.m. on charges of driving under the influence after driving his car into the Hunts River.

Police responded to the area of Post Road and Frenchtown Road to find Pepper’s Chrysler Pacifica in the river with Pepper sitting on the driver’s side windowsill.

Crews retrieved Pepper and carried him out on a stretcher due to an apparent back injury.

While officers spoke with Pepper in the ambulance, they noticed that he appeared to be under the influence. Pepper alleged that he did not know how the accident happened and was returning from Nicky’s Bar in Coventry where he had consumed three “rum and Cokes.” Pepper wasn’t sure what town he was in and told officers he was trying to get to his home in Johnston.

While at Kent County Hospital, Pepper refused a chemical test. Pepper is set to appear in Fourth District Court on February 22.

SK Man Charged With Possession Of Marijuana 

Vaughn Avedisian, 55, of 332 Chestnut Hill Rd. in South Kingstown, was arrested last Sunday at 6 p.m. on charges of possession of marijuana.

An officer pulled Avedisian over on Ten Rod Road after watching him speed through the red light at Lang Drive. As the officer approached the vehicle, he could smell “burnt marijuana” coming from the driver’s window. Along with his license, Avedisian provided police with a “half-smoked joint” with what appeared to be marijuana inside. He also handed over a small amount of marijuana ­– about 24 grams – in a prescription bottle to the officer.

Avedisian is set to appear in Fourth District Court on March 1.

Mother-Daughter Duo Arrested On Annaquatucket

Kerry Ohler, 41, and daughter Alissa Ohler, 18, of 395 Annaquatucket Rd., were both arrested last Sunday at 9:49 p.m. on multiple charges.

Police responded to the home on Annaquatucket after receiving a call from the owner of the house who told police that the Ohler women were in a “heated argument” with Alissa’s father, who also lived with the family. According to police reports, the argument started after the father became upset with Kerry for allowing his 18-year-old daughter to drink wine that night.

According to officers, both Kerry and Alissa Ohler appeared to be under the influence when police arrived. Though the altercation was verbal only, the father agreed to leave the residence for the night.

After Kerry Ohler allegedly yelled at the homeowner, the woman asked that she be removed from the house. As Alissa led her mother to get dressed, Kerry spun around and pushed her daughter, according to police. While officers placed Kerry under arrest for domestic assault, Alissa shoved an officer, prompting police to also place her under arrest. During her arrest, Alissa put up a struggle which resulted in a charge of resisting arrest. While escorting the two women out of the home, Kerry Ohler refused to cooperative and was pepper-sprayed by police.

At headquarters, Kerry Ohler fainted while in custody due to her high blood pressure condition. She was transported to Kent County Hospital for further treatment.

Kerry Ohler is charged with domestic assault, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Alissa Ohler is charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct, obstructing an officer and resisting arrest.

Arrested On Warrant...

Joshua Reynolds, 22, of 45 Gardiner Ave., was arrested Valentine’s Day at 2:08 a.m. following a warrant from his arrest for failing to appear in court. He was transported to the ACI shortly after his arrest.

The above reports detail arrests made by the North Kingstown Police Department from Feb. 12, through the early morning hours of  Feb. 14. Descriptions of all events are based solely on police officer reports provided to Patch.