Crime & Safety
Tiverton Man Charged with DUI, Second Offense, Narcotics Possession after Traffic Stop
Police said the man was drunk and speeding right near a school. They later found narcotics in his car.
A 27-year-old Tiverton man is facing his second driving under the influence charge and narcotics possession charges after he allegedly drove drunk on East Main Road near Portsmouth High School right before dismissal time on April 3.
Police said Matthew Thomas Gant, of 14 Riverview Ave., Tiverton, was observed driving 40 mph in a 30 mph zone and drifted over the center line multiple times by an officer on patrol.
The officer also noticed that his brake lights weren’t functioning and the passenger’s side headlight was burned out.
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Once stopped, Gant reportedly appeared intoxicated and later failed a field sobriety test.
Once in police custody, Gant’s car was searched and officers found a bag containing four blue pills later identified as 1 milligram Alprazolam tablets. Police also found an empty Clonazepam prescription bottle in the back seat.
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Gant later refused a chemical test.
All told, Gant was charged with DUI, second offense; felony narcotics possession and issued Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal summons for refusing a chemical test, a laned roadway violation and speeding.
He was released on personal recognizance and is due to appear in court on May 15 for a Attorney General conference.
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