In the face of warnings from state and local police that patrols would be out en force on July 4, three people got caught for driving drunk on Independence Day.

Cranston Police Major Robert W. Ryan said police "proactively increased their traffic enforcement efforts" for the holiday.

The first arrest happened around 8:30 p.m. when Officer Donald Salvatore saw a blue Chevrolet Blazer driving erratically and well-below the posted speed limit.

The Blazer was stopped in front of 135 Gansett Avenue and the driver, identified as Marc Harkness, 54, of 184 Chandler Ave., Cranston, "exhibited all the obvious signs of intoxication and admitted that he had been drinking heavily before being stopped," Ryan said.

Harkness was charged with driving under the influence and refusing a chemical test.

Two hours later, Lt. Russell Henry saw a red Pontiac "speeding and driving recklessly on Route 95 south near the Milford Street overpass," Ryan said. 

Henry got behind the Pontiac and followed it onto Pontiac Avenue. It eventually stopped adjacent to maximum security at the Adult Correctional Institutions.

The driver, identified by police as Ariel Perez Segura, 19, of 22 Whipple St., Pawtucket, showed signs of intoxication, police said.

Segura told police that he was looking for a party in Cranston. He was taken to police headquarters where he "registered breathalyzer readings that were over the legal limit" Ryan said.

Segura was charged with driving while impaired (age 18 to 21), speeding, roadway violations and following too closely. He was issued a District Court summons and will appear in court on July 17.

Then at 3:51 a.m., Officer Bretton Robbins was monitoring traffic on Dyer Avenue when he saw a blue Acura speed by. He stopped the car near Old Oak Avenue. Dispatch then told Robbins that the car was being driven without the consent of the owner.

The driver, identified as Jose Gomes, 21, of 226 Northrup St., was "swaying back and forth" after he got out of his car, Ryan said, and had to lean against the patrol car to keep steady.

Gomes was charged with driving under the influence, refusing a chemical test and driving without a valid license. He was also cited for speeding. He is now being held without bail as a Superior Court violator on an unrelated felony assault charge, police said.