Police Log

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The Police Log is a digest of reports filed by the Johnston Police. Chief Richard S. Tamburini or Deputy Chief Daniel Parrillo has reviewed all reports.

HOW THEY GET CAUGHT

While patrolling the area of Plainfield Street and Evans Street just before 6 p.m. March 20, Patrolman Matthew V. Leveillee reports observing a green vehicle traveling east on Plainfield Street with an expired Rhode Island inspection sticker. He stopped the vehicle and made contact with the operator and passenger, identified as Michael Benjamin and William Dubuque. 

Leveillee reports procedural checks on Benjamin came back negative, and that the driver had a valid Rhode Island driver’s license. Dubuque reportedly informed the patrolman that he may have outstanding court warrants, and a check revealed Dubuque was wanted in Seekonk, Mass., on a charge of motor vehicle theft. Subsequent checks revealed two other active Superior Court bench warrants in Rhode Island.

Dubuque, 46, of 39 Barrows St., Apt. 2 in Providence, was taken into custody without incident and transported to Johnston headquarters. He was held on the Seekonk warrant, on a charge of being a fugitive from justice and on the Superior Court bench warrants, and was subsequently arraigned and transported to the ACI. Benjamin, 42, of 77 Rockwood Ave. in Cranston, was issued a Johnston Municipal Court citation for violation of inspection law and was released. 

WIRE DAMAGE MYSTERY

Patrolman Adam M. Parkinson responded to a report of property damage at a Greenville Avenue home on March 25. The homeowner indicated that at some time between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. on that date, someone may have driven an oversize vehicle through the circular driveway in front of the home and caused significant damage to utility wires connected to the residence. The patrolman reports he did observe low-hanging wires, and that Cox Cable and National Grid personnel were at the scene working on the issue.

The homeowner could not provide any suspects or witnesses, but asked that the matter be documented for insurance purposes.

NERVOUS OPERATOR

Just before 5 p.m. March 25, Patrolman Kevin Brady reports traveling north on Dean Avenue when he observed a vehicle with Rhode Island plates make a right turn from Loomis Street onto Dean Avenue without using its turn signal.

The patrolman activated his cruiser’s lights and siren. The vehicle reportedly made a quick turn onto Perry Street, sped up and made another right turn into the driveway of 8 Perry St. in Smithfield, in what Brady said appeared to be an attempt to avoid being stopped.

The patrolman approached the vehicle and observed that the operator was “very nervous,” and that his “hands were shaking and he continuously grabbed his groin area.” While speaking with the operator, the patrolman observed small remnants of marijuana in the ash try and floor of the vehicle, which had “a pungent odor of marijuana.”

The operator reportedly admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day and said he was nervous because his license was suspended, which Brady said a check confirmed. Patrolman Derrick Palazzo and Sgt. Joseph Salvadore then arrived at the scene to assist, and the operator – Albert Jose Martinez, 24, of 1335 Eddy St., Apt. 1 in Providence – was arrested on a charge of driving after denial, revocation or suspension of a license.

Brady reports Martinez said he had $412 in cash on his person, which the patrolman secured along with a cell phone and wallet and placed in his cruiser. While searching the vehicle – a white 2006 Hyundai Elantra – Brady reports finding a wooden bat and a one-inch pocket knife, and the suspect’s “behavior and the evidence in his vehicle led me to believe that there may have been other narcotics in the vehicle.”

A state police sergeant and K-9 Bane responded and conducted a search of the vehicle. While the dog indicated the presence of narcotics on the front passenger door and trunk, none were detected. Brady then reportedly noticed that Martinez “appeared to be fidgeting with his waistband” in the back of the cruiser, and an unclothed search was conducted at police headquarters. That search was also negative for any narcotics.

Martinez was processed and held for arraignment, and issued a summons for failing to use a turn signal. His vehicle was impounded. He was subsequently released on $2,000 personal recognizance, with a court date set for April 2.

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