NEWPORT — A Newport man was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including driving under the influence, after he allegedly drove erratically down Main Street, passed the Newport Police Station, and nearly flipped his pickup truck on Causeway, Newport Police Chief Travis Bingham reported.
Kaleb Earle, 23, of Newport, was charged with grossly negligent operation, operating under the influence, driving with a criminally suspended license, making a false report to police, and reckless endangerment.
On Tuesday, April 30, shortly after 8 p.m., Sgt. Charles Moulton of the Newport Police Department, who was at the police station, heard an extremely loud engine exhaust noise and loud engine acceleration.
Upon viewing the station’s security cameras, Sgt. Moulton observed a silver Toyota Tacoma pickup truck driving rapidly, crossing the double yellow line, and driving in the oncoming traffic lane. He radioed other police on the roadway, advising them of the situation.
Police attempted to pull the vehicle over, but it accelerated onto Access Road, nearly flipping, with at least one wheel coming off the ground. The vehicle eventually stopped for police.
Earle, known to Newport Police, was found to have a suspended license. After failing multiple field sobriety tests, he blew a .124 on a preliminary breath test.
Earle was arrested without further incident and held on a $2,500 bond. He is expected to be arraigned in Orleans District Court today.
