A 38-year-old Middletown woman is facing DUI and hit-and-run charges after allegedly striking a marked Newport police vehicle early Saturday morning and fleeing the scene, according to a press release from the Newport Police Department.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:10 a.m. on Jan. 18 at the intersection of Eustis Avenue and Bliss Road, where Officer Adam Chiang was stationed at a fixed traffic post monitoring the area.
Police say a vehicle driven by Erin Moitoza collided with the rear of Chiang’s marked cruiser. According to the release, Moitoza then reversed her vehicle and left the scene. Chiang activated his emergency lights and siren and conducted a traffic stop on Bliss Road, near the location of the collision.
Moitoza was transported by the Newport Fire Department to Newport Hospital, where she was treated and released for minor injuries. She was subsequently taken to the Newport Police Station, where she was charged with driving under the influence and duty to stop for a motor vehicle accident.
Chiang was also treated and released at Newport Hospital for minor injuries sustained in the collision.
Moitoza is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information regarding her arraignment was not included in the department’s release.