PROVIDENCE, R.I.

Man accused of hitting cruiser argues flip-flop interference

Authorities say an Exeter man is facing criminal charges for allegedly failing to stop at a red light and striking a state police cruiser before trying to flee the scene and hitting the cruiser a second time in Providence, causing the vehicle to spin 180 degrees in opposite directions.

Police say James Hall’s vehicle then hit an empty car parked on Broad Street before troopers blocked his path and arrested him at about 1:45 a.m. Saturday, state police said in a statement.

Hall, 46, disputed police allegations that he was trying to flee. He said his flip-flop got stuck on the accelerator pedal as he tried to stop after the initial crash, causing his vehicle to hit the cruiser again and slam into the second vehicle.

“I wasn’t trying to elude. I had flip-flops on and that’s what happened,” Hall said.

No one was injured during the incident, said state police Lt. Paul Olszewski.

Hall said he was cooperative with police after the crash.

He was released pending a future court appearance on charges of drunken driving and leaving the scene of accident.

CONCORD, N.H.

Hundreds on hand to see Episcopalian bishop sworn in

New Hampshire Episcopalians have a new bishop.

The Rev. A. Robert Hirschfeld was consecrated as bishop on Saturday in a ceremony that began with a procession of 300 people and included a special anthem composed for the event.

The choir included parishioners from Grace Church in Amherst, Mass., where Hirschfeld had been rector, along with singers from New Hampshire congregations.

In a statement, Hirschfeld said the trust and hope that have been placed in him is both humbling and exhilarating.

Hirschfeld succeeds The Rev. V. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Anglican church..

— From news service reports