NORTH SMITHFIELD – The head coach of the Bryant University men’s basketball team is facing charges after allegedly leaving the scene of an accident in North Smithfield earlier this month.
Jared Grasso, 43, of North Smithfield, alleged fled the scene of a crash on Route 146 at around 8:12 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1.
According to reports, the victim told police that a car – passing in the left lane at a high rate of speed on the highway – sideswiped her vehicle, which was traveling in the right lane. She said she pulled off the road, and was able to get the plate of the white Buick Enclave that instead sped away.
Police traced the license plate to Grasso and went to his home on Monday, Oct. 2, where they found a vehicle matching the description – and showing scratches and paint marks – parked in his driveway. Police reports noted that Grasso initially denied involvement, but behaved erratically – calling 911 multiple times during police questioning. He ultimately turned himself in at police headquarters accompanied by his lawyer on Wednsday, Oct. 3 and was charged for failing to stop for an accident resulting in damage to a vehicle.
Grasso is scheduled to appear in court for his arraignment on Oct. 24.
It was later noted that the college had placed Grasso on leave just days before the accident.
