Police: Wrong Way Driver Arrested After Jumping Into River to Escape

A Massachusetts man has been charged with driving the wrong way on Interstate 95 in Rhode Island, crashing into another vehicle and jumping into the Providence River in a failed escape attempt.

Authorities say 40-year-old Francois Garand of Somerset, Massachusetts, drove in the northbound lanes of I-95 early Friday morning just after midnight and crashed in Providence.

Garand and a passenger in his SUV suffered minor injuries. The driver of the other vehicle was the only occupant and wasn't hurt.

Garand was arraigned Friday in Providence District Court on DUI, reckless driving and other charges. He was released on $5,000 bail and ordered to return to court Feb. 27.

It's not clear if Garand has a lawyer. A message seeking comment was left Friday at a phone listing for Garand. 

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