Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) CEO Scott Avedisian has tendered his resignation to Governor Dan McKee, just two weeks after being accused of a hit-and-run incident at a McDonald’s drive-thru in Warwick. The announcement coincided with a closed-door meeting of the RIPTA board of directors, who convened to discuss Avedisian’s future with the organization.
In his letter of resignation, Avedisian highlighted a series of accomplishments achieved during his tenure, expressing regret that recent events have overshadowed these achievements. He acknowledged that the actions he is accused of have detracted from the hard work of RIPTA employees.
Last week, Avedisian pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of leaving the scene of an accident. According to the police, he allegedly caused a three-car collision at a Warwick McDonald’s drive-thru and fled the scene. Avedisian, who previously served as the mayor of Warwick, assumed the role of RIPTA CEO in 2018.
As of now, no successor has been named for the position. The resignation of Avedisian marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the hit-and-run incident. Authorities will continue to gather evidence and determine the appropriate course of action.
The RIPTA board of directors’ closed-door meeting suggests that the organization is taking the matter seriously and is actively addressing the situation. The resignation of a high-ranking official amidst criminal accusations raises questions about the impact on RIPTA’s operations and reputation.
