Incoming Pawtucket school board member accused of driving 93 while drunk

Larbi issues apology, plans to still serve

State Police have announced that Stephen Larbi, a 30-year-old resident of 45 Sherman Ave. in Pawtucket, who was elected to the city's school board in November and is set to be sworn into office next week, was one of 16 people arrested and charged with driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs over the past two weeks. He was allegedly driving nearly 40 miles per hour above the speed limit on Route 95.

Larbi was arrested at approximately 12:50 a.m. on Dec. 31 after troopers recorded a vehicle traveling 93 miles per hour in a 55-mile zone and operating erratically in heavy traffic on I-95 north in Providence. The vehicle was stopped near exit 27 in Pawtucket. He was charged with driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor and/or drugs, blood alcohol content unknown, first offense, and refusal to submit to a chemical test. He also was cited for speeding more than 11 miles per hour in excess of the posted speed limit, as well as laned roadway violations, following other vehicles too closely, and operating without a seat belt.

According to court records, Larbi was cited for driving with a suspended license earlier this year. He was also arrested for driving while intoxicated while at the University of Rhode Island, according to a 2011 Patch report.

Larbi issued a statement to The Breeze on Friday.

“First, I would like to apologize to my students, my family, my employers and to the many Pawtucket voters who have entrusted me to serve on their School Committee. I have let you down and I have no excuse for making such a bad decision," he said. "To that end, and after conferring with my family and doctor, I will be seeking further medical care to address the causes of this bad decision-making."

He added that he understands his actions will have consequences and he is "prepared to deal directly with them."

"...I have spent my entire life seeking to better myself. For the greater part of my life I have succeeded. My travels through the Pawtucket public school system to my receiving of a master’s degree have led me to a fulfilling life as a student counselor," he said. "It has also given me an opportunity to now serve my community as an elected official. I am very proud of that work and I intend to continue to help my students and serve the people of Pawtucket while seeking additional care. Today is the first day of that process. Hopefully, and with help, I will restore everyone’s confidence in my proven abilities to help others.”

The arrest of Larbi and others resulted from intensive enforcement of Rhode Island laws as part of the national traffic enforcement campaign to keep intoxicated motorists off the roadways during the holidays.

“There is simply no excuse for anyone driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol,” State Police Col. Ann Assumpico said. “The Rhode Island State Police will continue to aggressively pursue, arrest and prosecute anyone who drives while under the influence, putting the lives of everyone else at risk.”

State Police also responded to 1,784 calls for service during this period, including 975 motor vehicle stops; 123 disabled motor vehicles and 165 crashes. Troopers made 96 arrests and issued 1,076 citations and warnings for motor vehicle violations, including 417 for speeding; 92 for seatbelt and child restraint violations; and 14 for distracted driving.