Worcester Bishop Arrested For Drunk Driving
WORCESTER (CBS) -- Worcester Roman Catholic Bishop Robert McManus was arrested for drunken driving after a hit and run accident in Narragansett, R.I. Saturday night.
McManus is also charged with refusing a chemical test and leaving the scene of an accident, Narragansett police confirmed to WBZ-TV.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports
Worcester Bishop Arrested For Drunk Driving
McManus released the following statement Monday morning:
On Saturday evening, May 4, I made a terrible error in judgment by driving after having consumed alcohol with dinner. There is no excuse for the mistake I made, only a commitment to make amends and accept the consequences of my action. More importantly, I ask forgiveness from the good people whom I serve, as well as my family and friends, in the Diocese of Worcester and the Diocese of Providence.
"We're all human beings," said Greg Pike, a parishioner at St. Paul Cathedral in Worcester. "That's why we go to church."
Police say 61-year-old McManus was involved in a hit and run crash in Narragansett Saturday night. The other driver called 911 and followed the bishop until police arrived.
Police arrested McManus at his vacation home in Bonnett Shores, a short time later.
According to the Diocese of Worcester website, McManus has led the diocese since 2004. Before that, he served as auxiliary bishop of the Providence, R.I. Diocese.
Father John Madden at St. John's Church in Worcester says he stands by the bishop.
"He's a great man," said Fr. Madden. "He's a priest that all of us would like to be, and he made a mistake."
The bishop was not at his residence in Worcester Monday, but his house keeper says the bishop respects the diocese.
"I'd like people to know that they have a fine, caring bishop who loves his diocese," said Rose Marie Bogigian. "It's a pleasure for me to call him my boss and my friend."
State records show the bishop had a clean driving record prior to Saturday's arrest.
He is due in court in Rhode Island Tuesday.
