Peter Murner, as he appeared in his booking photo.

PORTSMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT

PORTSMOUTH — Two young children, ages 7 and 10, were passengers in a vehicle driven by a man subsequently charged with driving under the influence (DUI) on Saturday, June 7.

Peter Murner, 39, of Bourne, Mass., was charged with DUI with children under the age of 13 as passengers.

At about 8:20 p.m. on Saturday, police responded to East Main Road near Hedly Street for a report of a disabled vehicle. Upon arrival, officers encountered Murner and determined the vehicle had struck a curb.

“While on scene, officers were approached by a 10-year-old child who had been an occupant in the vehicle,” Deputy Police Chief Michael J. Morse stated in a press release issued Tuesday. “The child had possession of the vehicle’s keys and provided them to officers. A second child, age 7, was seated inside the vehicle. Both children were safely escorted to a police cruiser while the investigation continued.”

Officers observed Murner showing multiple signs of alcohol impairment, and he was arrested after failing a field sobriety test, according to police. Murner was also cited for refusing to submit to a chemical breath test.

He will be formally arraigned in 2nd Division District Court in Newport on Thursday, June 12. The children were released to a family member, Morse said.