WARWICK, R.I. — The former chief executive of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, Scott Avedisian, pleaded no contest on Wednesday to leaving the scene of an accident that caused damage in late March.
Avedisian previously pleaded not guilty on April 3 to one count of the misdemeanor charge. Formerly the longest serving mayor of Warwick, Avedisian was told by a Kent County District Judge that if he does not violate the law during his probation, the charge will be expunged from his criminal record.
According to police records, Avedisian was driving his RIPTA-issued black Ford SUV on the night of March 27 when he went to the McDonald’s drive-through on Post Road in Warwick. The black SUV rear-ended a car, which then hit the car in front of them. Avedisian got out of his car and told the other driver to pull out of the drive thru and into the parking lot. Then Avedisian drove off, according to Warwick police. Avedisian, 59, allegedly failed to notify police of the crash, provide information, and render aid, according to court documents.
Victims of the crash told police that his eyes were bloodshot and red, but he had not been charged with driving under the influence.
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Police knocked on the door at Avedisian’s home shortly after the accident, but he did not answer. The car’s engine was still warm, according to the police report.
After mounting criticism, Avedisian resigned from his post at RIPTA on April 11. In his resignation letter to Governor Dan McKee, Avedisian wrote that he regretted “the good work of the [agency’s] employees is being detracted by my actions.” RIPTA’s board of directors approved a separation package for the former CEO on April 16, which included a a total of $67,823 in installments over the next few months. That amount is made up of 13 weeks of pay plus unused vacation time. Neither Avedisian nor the agency he previously led since 2018 can make any disparaging or derogatory comments about the other, and Avedisian is barred from bringing any legal claims against RIPTA, according to the separation agreement.
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RITA chief financial officer Christopher Durand took over as temporary CEO as the agency searches for a new permanent leader. The a transit agency faces a myriad of challenges that include a driver shortage, budget deficit, and a political controversy over potentially moving the bus hub out of Providence’s Kennedy Plaza.
Avedisian could not be immediately reached by the Globe on Wednesday. His attorney, John Harwood, told WPRI that Avedisian was ready to put the case behind him.
“When you’re in public service for a lot of years, sometimes it’s good to take your foot off the gas pedal, catch your breath, make sure you’re healthy, and make sure you’re getting your life going in the right direction,” Harwood told the TV news station. “And I’m sure he has been doing that and he’s going to continue to do that.”
Harwood told WPRI that Avedisian will likely move forward with a role in the private sector.
“I think in the very near future there’ll be something that he may be attracted to, and I think be a productive person in whatever he chooses to do,” Harwood said.
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Alexa Gagosz can be reached at alexa.gagosz@globe.com. Follow her @alexagagosz and on Instagram @AlexaGagosz.