Driver in Middle Road Crash Charged with DUI

A man who was seriously hurt after he crashed on Middle Road Thursday night has been charged with driving under the influence and refusing a chemical test by Portsmouth Police.

Lt. A.J. Bucci told the Providence Journal that Richard Holiday, 27, of 17 Luther Lane, showed signs of intoxication and smelled like alcohol at the scene.

Holiday reportedly suffered traumatic injuries from the crash and could not be administered a field sobriety test at the scene.

Crews used the Jaws of Life to extricate Holiday from his pickup truck after the crash, which happened at around 10:11 p.m. near 507 Middle Road.

The accident remains under investigation and Holiday is reportedly now in good condition at Rhode Island Hospital.

Officials said it appears that Holiday was driving when he lost control, left the road and struck a telephone pole and tree. He then veered back onto the road and struck another vehicle being driven by a woman who suffered minor injuries.

The woman was treated at the scene.

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