BRIDGEWATER, Vt. — A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs after the vehicle he was driving went off U.S. Route 4 and into the river in Bridgewater on Sunday morning, Vermont State Police said.

Police said they were called at about 9:20 a.m. to a report of a vehicle in the river. Firefighters, emergency medical crews and troopers responded. The driver, whom police identified as Kevin Gipe, 41, was not hurt. Police listed Gipe as homeless.

According to state police, Gipe was heading west when he crossed into the eastbound lane, nearly causing a head-on collision, then left the road and went down an embankment into the river. Police said he showed signs of impairment throughout the investigation.

Gipe was arrested and taken to the state police barracks in Royalton for processing, police said. He was given a criminal citation and released.

He is due to appear in Windsor County Criminal Court on Feb. 2, 2027.

The charge is an allegation, and Gipe is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The Signal reported in September that Vermont State Police had charged a Kevin Gipe, 41, of Northfield, with driving under the influence and possession of controlled substances after a crash on U.S. Route 7 in the town of Rutland on Sept. 23. Police said at the time that he showed signs of impairment and that a later search of his car and property under a warrant turned up controlled substances. He was cited to appear in court in Rutland Monday. Those charges are also allegations.

Earlier coverage: Northfield man charged with DUI and drug possession after crash in Rutland

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