Crime & Safety
Woman Arrested After Boat Accident At Folk Fest
An arrest does not indicate a conviction
State Police arrested a Portsmouth woman Sunday for allegedly operating a boat while under the influence during the Newport Folk Festival.
Troopers were on patrol Sunday afternoon in the area of Newport Harbor outside of Fort Adams State Park during the Folk Festival. At approximately 4:50 p.m., they observed a minor collision between two boats.
The operator of the boat attempted to leave the scene, according to State Police. Troopers stopped the boat, which was being operated by Deborah I. Saboya, 51, of 160 Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth.
While talking with Saboya, troopers observed various indicators consistent with intoxication. According to State Police, Saboya submitted to a series of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests at the scene, which she failed.
Saboya was arrested and transported to the Wickford Barracks, where she allegedly refused to submit to a chemical test.
Saboya was charged with the following: operating a watercraft while intoxicated and refusal to submit to a chemical test.
She was processed and held overnight at State Police headquarters before being arraigned in Washington County Court on Monday morning. She pleaded not guilty and was given court dates to appear for a pre-trial hearing.
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