Warren woman faces felony DUI charge after serious accident

Young woman allegedly told officers she drank beer, vodka and smoked a joint

By Scott Pickering
Posted 12/11/19

A Warren woman faces felony charges after losing control of her car and slamming into a tree along Naomi Street last Wednesday night, Dec. 4. A 20-year-old Warren man riding in the passenger seat of …

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Warren woman faces felony DUI charge after serious accident

Young woman allegedly told officers she drank beer, vodka and smoked a joint

Posted

A Warren woman faces felony charges after losing control of her car and slamming into a tree along Naomi Street last Wednesday night, Dec. 4. A 20-year-old Warren man riding in the passenger seat of her car was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition a week later.

Jennifer L. Machado, 24, of 248 Main St., Apt. 2, Warren, was driving her blue Subaru at approximately 7:56 p.m. when it went off the road and slammed into a tree in front of the house at 19 Naomi St. Neighbors and police officers were on the scene almost immediately and found both the driver and passenger unconscious, with heavy damage to the driver’s side of the car.

The first officer to arrive was Patrolman Tyler Carreiro, who tried to open the driver’s door but could not. Rescuers later used the “Jaws of Life” to get Ms. Machado, who was wearing her seat belt, out of the vehicle.

In his report, Officer Carreiro said Ms. Machado showed numerous visible signs of suffering from an opioid overdose. He said the young woman was gurgling when breathing, with clammy skin and a pale, blue complexion. After checking the passenger and finding his condition “much worse,” the officer administered the anti-opioid remedy Narcan to both people. Ms. Machado immediately regained consciousness; the passenger did not. The officer also reported there was a distinct odor of alcohol coming from the car.

According to Officer Carreiro’s report, Ms. Machado, while resting on a stretcher but reporting that she had no injuries, told the officer that she did not remember anything prior to the accident. Asked if she knew where she was, she allegedly said, “Warren.” Asked if she had been drinking, she allegedly yelled to the officer, “a lot.” She allegedly told the officer she had consumed two “boots,” which are very large glasses usually used to consume beer.

Asked if she had used any heroin, she allegedly told the officer “no never,” but then admitted to smoking a joint with the passenger while they were driving. Asked if the joint was laced with opioids, she allegedly began crying.

Officer Carreiro placed her under arrest and rode with her in a rescue to the hospital. The critically injured passenger was removed from the car and taken in a separate rescue.

At the hospital, Ms. Machado agreed to submit a blood sample for testing. During further questioning, she allegedly told the officer she had consumed six or seven shots of vodka between 6 and 7 p.m.

Ms. Machado was brought back to Bristol at approximately 6:30 the next morning and held until she was taken to District Court in Providence at 11 a.m. She was charged with Driving Under the Influence - Serious Injury Resulting. She was also issued citations for leaving the lane of travel, reasonable and prudent speeds, and following too close.

At her arraignment, she was released on $10,000 Personal Recognizance and referred to Pre-Trial Services for monitoring of alcohol and substance abuse.  A pre-trial conference date of March 12, 2020 was set. 

The Bristol Police Department Detective Division is continuing the investigation regarding the circumstances of this accident.

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