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Worcester Bishop Pleads Not Guilty To Drunk Driving Charges

WAKEFIELD, R.I. (CBS) - Worcester Roman Catholic Bishop Robert McManus pleaded not guilty Tuesday to the two charges related to his drunken driving arrest over the weekend.

McManus, 61, is accused of driving drunk Saturday night in Narragansett, Rhode Island, getting into an accident with another car and leaving the scene.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Doug Cope reports

Worcester Bishop Pleads Not Guilty

He told officers he didn't stop because he didn't realize he had hit another vehicle.

Police say he failed three field sobriety tests.

McManus was arraigned in Wakefield, R.I. District Court Tuesday and released on a promise to return for his next hearing.

He did not speak to reporters after his arraignment.

"He feels bad for what happened and we'll let the court process work now," his attorney Bill Murphy said.

McManus will appear in traffic court next week for refusing to take a breathalyzer test. A pre-trial hearing on the other charges will be held later this month.

McManus has led the Worcester diocese since 2004. Before that, he served as auxiliary bishop in Providence.

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