No Charges for R.I. Lawmaker Who Left Scene of Minor Accident

January 4, 2008

Rhode Island Rep. Timothy Williamson will not face charges after leaving the scene of a minor car accident last month, an incident police have described as a hit-and-run.

Williamson, a West Warwick Democrat and the town solicitor, struck a parked car and then drove off while leaving the parking lot of a veterans club on Dec. 20, said police Sgt. Mark Bennett.

Williamson described the collision as “not even a fender bender” and blamed West Warwick critics for “making rumors up.”

He said he was on the phone with his wife at the time of the collision and did not learn he had struck the car until the vehicle’s owner contacted him that night.

Williamson said he had already paid for the damages, which he said totaled less than $200.

“When it was brought to my attention, it was resolved,” he said.

Bennett, the police sergeant, said a witness to the accident recognized Williamson and told the car’s owner, who then contacted the police. He said he considered the case closed.

“It’s not something we intend to look into further. This type of thing happens all the time.”

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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.projo.com/

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Latest Comments

  • January 5, 2008 at 8:47 am
    wudchuck says:
    1) is it illegal to talk on cell phones in RI? so it did become a distraction, so much he never noticed/felt hitting the other vehicle. 2) why was it so important to be on the... read more
  • January 4, 2008 at 2:10 am
    Hank says:
    Is it legal to talk on your cell phone (non hands free) and drive at the same time in RI? How do you cause $200 worth of damage to another vehicle and not realize it? It's pro... read more
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