Drunk, Drugged RI Man Has Chaotic Multi-State Crash Binge

BLACKSTONE, MA — A Rhode Island man who police said was under the influence of drugs and alcohol struck multiple vehicles while driving on Tuesday night. William Halfelder, 59, of Woonsocket, was charged with a host of crimes.

Police responded to Main Street around 9:45 p.m. for reports of crashes. They arrived to find Halfelder outside his Dodge van bleeding from the nose and head. Police had to administer Narcan and transport him to Rhode Island Hospital.

Witnesses told police Halfelder was swerving all over Main Street. He allegedly struck a vehicle that was stopped at a red light, injuring the female driver. He then drove around that car, through the red light, and into the opposite lan of travel.

Halfelder then allegedly struck another vehicle head-on, pushing off the road and into a driveway. The male driver was injured.

It was determined Halfelder struck more vehicles while driving in Woonsocket before getting to Blackstone.

Halfelder was charged with:

• Operating Under the Influence of Drugs
• Operating Under the Influence of Liquor (Fourth Offense)
• Leaving the Scene of Personal Injury
• Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Failure to Stop/Yield
• Failure to Drive in the Right Lane

The people injured in the crashes went to the hospital but did not suffer life-threatening injuries, police said.