NK Police Log: Woman Blames 'Flock of Seagulls' in Morning Crash

Woman Blames 'Flock of Seagulls' in Morning Crash

Susan M. Stafford, 65, of 35 New Lane in North Kingstown, was arrested Nov. 1 at 10:26 a.m. on charges of driving under the influence.

Police arrived at Allen Harbor Road after a report of a car driving into a fence outside of NORAD in Quonset. According to Stafford, she was on her way to the beach when a “flock of seagulls” smashed into her windshield, distracting her to the point where she veered off the road into the fence. Police noted there were no signs of a “bird strike” on Stafford’s vehicle.

Once Stafford arrived at the beach, she allegedly noticed the extent of the damage to her car from striking the fence and returned to the scene where she was met by the man who notified police of the accident.

According to police, Stafford admitted to taking lithium, Ativan and two other medications she could not remember that morning and to drinking between a quarter and a third of a pint of vodka in the Lowe’s parking lot prior to the accident. When an officer asked Stafford to take a field sobriety test, she allegedly told him she would but wouldn’t pass them.

After failing the field sobriety test (during which Stafford allegedly had difficulty standing upright), Stafford took a preliminary breath test and allegedly registered a .076 and .073 blood alcohol content in consecutive tests.

She is set to appear in Third District Court on Nov. 15.

Man Allegedly Tries to Sell Amtrak Property

Jeffrey Allen Gardiner, Sr., 46, of 16 Dayton Court, was arrested Nov. 2 at 2:45 p.m. on charges of receiving stolen goods.

Officers allegedly saw Gardiner walking down Ten Rod Road with a “substantial quantity of “spooled wire.” According to reports, Gardiner initially claimed he found the wire in the woods behind National Grid but later said he found it between the train tracks and Feurer Park. Gardiner also told officers he was on the way to Metal Commodities to see how much money he could get for the wire. Officers noted the words “Property of Amtrak” were stamped in white along the wire’s sheathing, clearly visible.

An officer from Amtrak police arrived and, after inspecting the wire, wished to report the wire stolen and press charges against Gardiner.

NK Man Arrested After Assault

Sean Huntley, 33, of Old Baptist Road, was arrested Nov. 2 at 8:44 p.m. on charges of domestic assault, domestic vandalism and domestic disorderly conduct.

Huntley allegedly assaulted a family member at his home. According to reports, the argument began after the man told Huntley he didn’t think it was right that he spent nights at his new girlfriend’s house rather than with his young daughter. Huntley chest bumped the man and said, “Don’t even go there. I will mess you up!” before grabbing the man by the throat, according to reports. The man was able to get away after reportedly biting Huntley.

The fight continued outside as Huntley allegedly shoved the man into some bushes. According to reports, the man then shoved Huntley into a stockade fence before Huntley threw him to the ground and the two began to scuffle. As the man called 911, Huntley left the home.

Huntley turned himself into headquarters later that night. He was arraigned and relreased on $1,000 personal recognizance.

He is set to appear in Third District Court on Nov. 15.

Other Arrests...

Steven Thomas Burton, 23, of 160 Pine River Drive, was arrested Nov. 1 at 1:21 a.m. on charges of driving on a suspended license. He is set to appear in Third District Court on Nov. 15.