A Rhode Island woman who struck and killed a well-known local musician with her vehicle last weekend had over 100 prior arrests on her record, authorities say.
Police in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, say 70-year-old Roderick Macleod was walking his dogs around 7:21 a.m. on Saturday morning when he was hit and killed by an SUV on Route 138.
The driver, 41-year-old Shannon Godbout, was reportedly driving east when she left her travel lane and struck multiple objects, including two telephone poles, before hitting Macleod, who was walking in the shoulder of the eastbound lane with his dogs.
Macleod, of Richmond, was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he died from his injuries. He was a well-known local musician who received a Grammy nomination as a member of Roomful of Blues in the 80s.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Macleod’s family during this difficult time following this tragic incident,” police said in a Facebook post.
Godbout was found at the scene with numerous illegal drugs and packaging materials commonly associated with drug distribution, police said. She was arrested and taken to Westerly Hospital for medical evaluation.
She is facing charges that include driving to endanger resulting in death and possession of drugs with intent to distribute. Police said additional charges are still possible.
Before Saturday’s deadly crash, Hopkinton police said Godbout had been arrested 102 times and issued 40 citations. A review of court records by WJAR showed she’s been charged with crimes in a dozen Rhode Island cities and towns. The longest prison sentence she served for any of the offenses was just over two years.
Most of her criminal cases ended the same way, with her pleading no contest and receiving suspended sentences, meaning she didn’t go to prison. She had been court ordered into substance abuse counselling seven times, most recently in April.