LITTLE COMPTON — A Little Compton man, whose blood alcohol level was almost certainly the highest ever measured here, faces charges after taking a car without the owner’s permission.

Jonathan M. Holmes, 39, of 63 West Main Road was taken by rescue to Newport Hospital on Tuesday, Nov. 25, where his blood alcohol content was measured at .578. In Rhode Island, a level of .08 is the threshold for drunk driving.

Mr. Holmes was treated for severe intoxication, released, and later arraigned in 2nd Division District Court on a felony charge of domestic driving without the owner’s consent.

Lt. Antone Marion reported that at 2:29 p.m. Tuesday, Little Compton Police were dispatched to 63 West Main Road for a report of a vehicle that had been taken without the owner’s permission.

When officers arrived they were met by Mr. Holmes. After speaking with the victim, who is the suspect’s mother, Mr. Holmes was placed under arrest.

Officers reported that he was extremely unstable on his feet and that his breath had a strong odor of alcohol.

While police were driving him to the station, he slumped over in the rear of the cruiser and became unresponsive. Rescue was called and rushed him to the hospital.

A spokesperson said later that this is the highest level seen by police here — one that approaches lethal levels.