Governor Says He Has Not Talked To RIPTA Head Over Legal Woes

Calls are increasing for the board which oversees the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to hold a special meeting, regarding its CEO.

RIPTA head Scott Avedisian pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to a misdemeanor charge of leaving the scene of an accident that occurred one week before in Warwick.

The 59-year-old Avedisian was alleged to have been behind the wheel of an agency vehicle that rear-ended a car while at a fast-food restaurant drive-through and forced that vehicle into the one in front of it.

He was also alleged to be intoxicated at the time of the incident but has not been charged to that effect.

RIPTA board members Patrick Crowley and Jim Lombardi wish to hold the hearing, and Governor Dan McKee has also called on the board to act. Avedisian is next due in court on April 25th.

(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)