The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association announced today that law enforcement agencies across the state will be ramping up patrols during Memorial Day weekend, marking the ninth anniversary of Officer Ryan Bourque’s tragic death. The increased patrols are aimed at preventing impaired driving and honoring the memory of Bourque, who was killed by an intoxicated driver in 2016.
“We are sending a clear message: If you plan to drink or use cannabis, don’t drive,” said Chief James Campbell of the Jamestown Police Department. “Plan ahead by designating a sober driver or using a rideshare. With this weekend’s increased enforcement efforts, we want to stop impaired drivers before they can cause harm and prevent tragedies like the one that took Ryan’s life.”
Officer Bourque died on May 23, 2016, when he was struck by a wrong-way driver who was under the influence of alcohol and drugs while traveling on Route 95. Bourque was returning home after his shift, and his death serves as a painful reminder of the dangers of impaired driving.
To honor Bourque’s memory and ensure no other family experiences such a loss, police agencies statewide will be deploying extra patrols throughout the weekend. The Rhode Island State Police and local departments will work together to identify and arrest individuals suspected of driving under the influence.
As part of the DUI enforcement effort, the BAT Mobile will be stationed at 1 East Shore Road in Jamestown on Friday, May 23, from 8 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. The Jamestown, North Kingstown, and Newport Police Departments will join forces to enforce the heightened patrols.
The message remains clear: Drive sober or risk getting caught.
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