A West Warwick man who works for Governor Dan McKee's office has been arrested after allegedly driving through a marked crime scene in Dighton on Thursday night. The incident occurred as detectives were investigating a fatal hit-and-run on Route 44. The suspect, identified as Zachary Padula, reportedly drove his BMW through the taped-off area, narrowly avoiding hitting several officers, as stated by the police.

Authorities took immediate action after an officer noticed that Padula appeared to be under the influence. He has subsequently been charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and failure to stop or yield. Padula, who holds the position of a constituent service associate in Governor McKee's office, has an annual salary of $48,948, according to the state transparency portal.

A spokesperson from Governor McKee's office confirmed Padula's employment but declined to provide further comments at this time. The incident raises concerns about the conduct exhibited by an individual representing the Governor's administration, particularly given the sensitive nature of the crime scene and the potential harm caused to law enforcement personnel.

Driving under the influence poses a significant risk to the safety of oneself and others on the road. The incident serves as a reminder for motorists to exercise responsible behavior and to adhere to traffic regulations, especially when encountering areas marked as crime scenes or accidents.

Local authorities are continuing their investigation into the hit-and-run incident while also addressing the reckless driving case involving Padula. This incident underscores the importance of responsible decision-making, especially for those in positions of authority. As the legal proceedings progress, further updates will be made available.