PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- There are growing calls for the R.I. Public Transit Authority board to hold a special meeting to discuss the behavior of CEO Scott Avedisian, who's accused of leaving the scene of an accident where other drivers say he appeared intoxicated.

Board members Patrick Crowley and Jim Lombardi told Target 12 they'd like to hold the special hearing after Avedisian pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of leaving the scene of an accident on Wednesday. Gov. Dan McKee also encouraged the board to take action.

"Governor McKee urges the RIPTA board to convene a special meeting to review the facts of the Avedisian matter and follow the appropriate human resources protocols," McKee spokesperson Laura Hart said in a statement Thursday.

Speaking to reporters, McKee said he had not yet spoken to Avedisian about the incident.

"It's a serious issue," McKee said. He added, "The board should call a special meeting -- they should go over the facts -- because you're asking those questions and the general public's asking those questions."

Avedisian, 59, currently earns $181,796 a year as CEO of RIPTA, according to an agency spokesperson. He also collects a $72,968 annual pension from the city of Warwick, where he served as mayor for 18 years, a city spokesperson confirmed.

Warwick police said Avedisian was driving a RIPTA-issued SUV last Wednesday when he hit a Mercedes in the drive-thru of McDonald's on Post Road in Warwick. The Mercedes then rear-ended a third driver, who told Target 12 that her 3-year-old baby was in her backseat at the time.

"It is appropriate for the board to schedule a special meeting with the sole agenda item of dealing with Mr. Avedisian’s pending legal matters and how they reflect on the agency," Crowley said. "It's important to acknowledge that he is an employee and entitled to due process and has rights before any decision is made and that is why a special meeting should be called."

While Avedisian has not been charged with driving under the influence, both drivers said Avedisian appeared intoxicated at the time. He had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, they said.

A police report showed after Avedisian indicated to the other drivers they should all pull over into the parking lot, the CEO drove off.

Police said they later found Avedisian's car at his home where officers repeatedly banged on his door. Avedisian didn't respond, despite his car engine still being warm, according to police. He didn't turn himself in to law enforcement until Wednesday, a full week after the alleged collision.

Avedisian has refused to answer any questions publicly about what he was doing that night, and why he allegedly left the scene of the fender-bender.

R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha's office, which is handling the prosecution in the case, declined to comment on whether it is considering applying any other criminal charges.

Avedisian is represented by former R.I. House Speaker John Harwood, who said Wednesday they were still reviewing evidence from the case.

Crowley said R.I. Department of Transportation director Peter Alviti, who serves as head of the RIPTA board, was polling other members about whether to call the special meeting.

RIDOT spokesperson Charles St. Martin said Alviti "is in the process of scheduling a special meeting. He has no comment until board members meet and have an opportunity to discuss the matter."

Avedisian's next court date is April 25.

Ted Nesi contributed to this report.