Man arrested in Friday night's fatal accident in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH — A Massachusetts man has been charged with two counts of driving under the influence, death resulting, following a fatal two-vehicle crash on West Main Road in front of Raytheon Friday night. 

Police identified the two victims who died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident as Dina Occhi, 90, of Portsmouth; and Theodore White, 59, of Little Compton.

The operator of the car they were in, 58-year-old Mary Ann White — Mrs. Occhi’s daughter — remains hospitalized as a result of the collision, police said.

On Sunday at 10 a.m., Houston Smith, 20, of Jamaica Plain, was arraigned at his hospital bed at Rhode Island Hospital by a justice of the peace, according to Portsmouth Detective Lt. Michael C. Arnold.

Mr. Houston was also charged with transportation of alcohol by a minor, possession of alcohol by a minor and possession of marijuana (under one ounce). He was released on $50,000 personal recognizance with a court date set for Nov. 30 in 2nd District Court in Newport.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone who witnessed the accident should contact the Portsmouth Police Detective Division at 401/683-0994 or the general line at 401/683-0300.

One family, two tragic accidents

Mrs. Occhi was the wife of the late Mario Occhi, who founded the well-known Portsmouth institution, The Valley Inn restaurant on West Main Road, in 1957.

She operated the restaurant along with her son, Joe Occhi, who also coaches the Portsmouth High School boys’ basketball team. Mary Ann White is Mr. Occhi's sister.

Mr. Occhi’s brother, Michael Occhi, was killed in July 2009 while riding a moped that was struck by a pickup truck in his hometown of Little Compton. He was 45.

The driver of the pickup truck was later charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor, resulting in death, and leaving the scene of an accident, death resulting.