Teen sentenced to six months in jail for accident

The Barrington boy who struck and severely injured a Poppasquash Road man with his car while fleeing from DEM police back in December has been sentenced to six months at the state training school.

Rhode Island Family Court Chief Justice Jeremiah Jeremiah Jr. ruled Wednesday that the boy, 17, must also complete 200 hours of community service, apologize to his victim, Timothy Rockwell, and undergo alcohol counseling. He will also surrender his driver's license for four years.

The accident occurred around 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29. The teen was reportedly sitting alone in a Ford Thunderbird in Colt State Park when he was approached by a DEM police officer. The boy, who was later found to have alcohol and marijuana in the car, reportedly sped off as the officer approached and drove through a park field adjacent to Poppasquash Road. After crossing the field, he drove onto the road and struck Mr. Rockwell, who was walking home at the time and was unable to get out of the way of the approaching car. The force of the collision pushed Mr. Rockwell over a stone wall and onto a small sandy beach, and the car ended up on top of him. Mr. Rockwell was taken to the hospital with severe injuries but has since recovered.

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