UPDATED: BMW Driver Drove “Recklessly” Down Atwells Nearly Hitting a Toddler

UPDATED: BMW Driver Drove “Recklessly” Down Atwells Nearly Hitting a Toddler

The driver of a BMW sped recklessly and illegally down Atwells Avenue on Saturday night while the street was closed for outdoor dining. 

According to police, the suspect who was eventually arrested — Matthew Figueroa, age 28 — narrowly missed hitting police officers — and a toddler. 

There were hundreds of diners and pedestrians on the street at the time. 

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The driver has had a series of previous violations, GoLocal has now learned. 

 

Prior Arrests

Figueroa has faced multiple traffic violations before, specifically multiple ones for operating an unregistered vehicle — which he is now facing charges of again. 

In November 2021, court records show Figueroa was cited by the Rhode Island State Police (RISP) for operating an unregistered vehicle and “illumination of rear plate.”

According to court records, he pled guilty, but the charges were disposed of by Judge Michael DiChiro for “good driving record.” 

In October of 2022, he was again charged by RISP with operating an unregistered vehicle; the case was disposed.

Now, following Saturday's incident, Figueroa is facing traffic charges of operation of an unregistered vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, aggressive driving, damage to highway fixtures, violation of a safety zone, violating “reasonable and prudent speed” and “obedience to police officers," and more

 

 

About Latest Incident 

Police say that shortly after 6 PM on Saturday, officers on detail for the street closure on Atwells Avenue said they saw an SUV speeding and then entering the area prohibited to vehicular traffic. 

At that time, police said they approached the vehicle, a BMW, and told Figueroa the area was closed to cars — and asked him why he driving recklessly.

Police said he began acting nervously and shaking; when police asked for his license, Figueroa refused, and police asked him to step out the vehicle. 

At that time, police said Figueroa first put the vehicle in reverse, then accelerated forward, nearly hitting two officers, including one who had to dive out of the way. 

Figueroa then drove "recklessly" through the crowd of approximately 200-300 people on Atwells Avenue; a woman was reportedly able to pull a toddler out of the way to narrowly avoid the child being hit. 

Police say while fleeing officers, the vehicle hit a traffic barricade turning the wrong way onto America Street. 

Officers pursued the vehicle to Tobey Street, at which time Figueroa stopped the vehicle, and was apprehended and arrested.

He is facing multiple charges, according to police. 

 

This story was updated at 7:00 AM on August 21.