On April 4, 2023, Zachary Padula, a staffer for Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee, was arrested by Dighton Police while they were investigating a fatal pedestrian crash on Route 44. Officials confirmed that the suspect worked for the Rhode Island governor's office and that he was arrested and charged with OUI after driving through the scene of the fatal Dighton pedestrian crash. Police stated they were investigating the scene when a white BMW, driven by Padula, crossed into the crime scene, which was marked by crime scene tape, cones, and cruisers. According to the police, the car nearly hit officers, fire crews, and Massachusetts Department of Transportation employees. The police report indicated that Padula showed signs of impairment and refused to participate in a field sobriety test. He was reportedly rude to officers and claimed he worked for the Governor. Padula was arrested and charged with OUI liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and failure to stop or yield, according to Dighton police.