GLOCESTER – Glocester police have yet to file charges against a driver who was critically injured in a crash last month that caused the temporary closure of two Chepachet businesses.
Lt. Jeffrey Jenison told NRI NOW this week that the 43-year-old female is still undergoing treatment for her injuries from the accident.
As we recap our top stories from 2024, an article on the incident remains one of our most viewed Glocester stories of the year, with some 6,000 visitors.
The ongoing case dates back to Saturday, Nov. 2, when a vehicle crashed into a building at 1195 Putnam Pike around 12:30 a.m., causing major damage to the structure and leading to a several day closure for both Aegean Pizza and Who Cut the Cheescake.
According to police, officers had tried to pull the woman over prior to the accident, but she drove away. The vehicle ultimately veered off the road and crashed through the front of the building, coming to rest partially inside the pizza shop.
Chief Joseph DePrete noted at the time that the driver was suspected of being under the influence. The Glocester woman was transported to Rhode Island Hospital with serious injuries. No other injuries were reported.
Both businesses were later cleared to reopen and have been functional since, but repairs to the structure at the center of Chepachet village were still incomplete as of this week.
Jenison said the driver’s name has not been released as police have held off filing charges pending her rehabilitation.
“We know it’s going to be a long process,” Jenison said.
