A Cranston man has been charged with driving under the influence after an accident involving a marked Cranston Police cruiser.

Randi J. Ruzzo, 30, of 108 Preston Ave., was additionally cited for refusal to submit to a chemical test and obedience to stop signs, according to Chief of Police Col. Michael Winquist.

Ruzzo remained at Rhode Island Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries as of Thursday and was issued a summons to appear in Third Division District Court later this month.

The officer involved in the crash was also hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. He has since been released and is recovering at home, according to Winquist.

A statement from the chief indicates the crash occurred at approximately 1:48 a.m. on July 4. At the time, a uniformed officer in a marker cruiser was traveling east on Wayland Avenue while responding to a non-emergency service call. Meanwhile, Ruzzo’s vehicle – a 2010 Hyundai Accent – was heading south on Preston Avenue.

Ruzzo is said to have gone through a stop sign at the intersection of Wayland and Preston avenues, entering the path of the cruiser. The officer “attempted to stop to avoid the collision but did not have sufficient time to brake,” according to Winquist, resulting in the cruiser striking the Hyundai on its side.

Ruzzo’s vehicle was pushed into a grass berm and tipped onto its side, according to Winquist’s statement. Both the Hyundai and the police cruiser came to rest in the yard of 184 Wayland Ave. Cranston Fire Department personnel removed Ruzzo from his vehicle using the Jaws of Life.

Winquist’s statement indicates that a Cranston officer who is a drug recognition expert “conducted tests at the scene and hospital and noted that Ruzzo displayed signs associated with drug and/or alcohol impairment.” Ruzzo is said to have refused a chemical blood test while at the hospital.

The crash remains under investigation and additional charges may be filed, according to the chief’s statement.

“This crash demonstrates the dangers associated with impaired drivers on our roadways, not only to the general public but also our public safety personnel. We urge you to drink responsibly and use a designated driver or ride sharing service this holiday,” Winquist said. “For those who choose to drive while under the influence, we will have dedicated DUI patrols throughout the city who will be making arrests.”