Crime & Safety
Newport Man Claims Diplomatic Immunity From Law, Threatens Officers
The following incident was reported by the Portsmouth Police Department
By Sandy McGee
A Newport man, claiming to have diplomatic immunity from the law, was arrested early Monday after allegedly refusing to pull his vehicle over. He later allegedly threatened officers at the police station.
Police first spotted the vehicle traveling north on East Main Road near Glen Meade Drive around 1:45 a.m. Monday. The vehicle was reportedly traveling at 60 mph and drifting over the traffic lines.
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The first police officer turned on his cruiser's lights in an attempt to stop the car. The vehicle slowed to a speed of 10-15 mph, but continued to travel north on East Main Road.
A second police cruiser arrived and pulled alongside the vehicle, which then stopped.
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The driver, later identified as Justin Viau, 43, of Newport, refused to provide a driver's license.
"He handed the officers two ID cards stating he was from the Universal Postal Officer Diplomat," said Lt. Brian Peters of the Portsmouth Police Department. "He told the officers the car was issued from the Post Master General Divine Province.”
Viau was then asked to exit his vehicle, a request he refused, according to police. He allegedly grabbed onto the steering wheel, refusing to leave. Police forcibly removed him from the car.
According to reports, Viau told police he was coming from a diplomat party. Officers reportedly detected a strong aroma of alcohol.
Viau allegedly refused a field sobriety test, telling police he had "diplomatic immunity," according to police.
At the police station, Viau continued to refuse to answer questions and not provide an address. He then allegedly threatened officers verbally, using vulgar language.
"He stated he was going to get them when they were 'out of their costumes,'" Peters said.
Viau was charged with making threats to public officials, resisting arrest, obstruction of an officer, eluding police, driving under the influence and refusal to submit to a chemical test.
He will be arraigned this morning in Second District Court.
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