Police Log

The Police Log is a digest of reports filed by the Johnston Police Department.

HIGH-SPEED PURSUIT

Patrolman Kevin Brady reports responding with Patrolman Derek Parascandolo to the area of Bishop Hill Road and Central Avenue at approximately 9:15 p.m. on May 6 for a report of a possible disturbance between a man and a woman. Dispatch advised that the parties may have fled on a motorcycle, and upon arrival Brady reports there were no signs of a motorcycle or an altercation having taken place.

Moments later, the patrolmen were reportedly on Bishop Hill Road when they observed a blue motorcycle traveling north at a high rate of speed. The motorcycle increased its speed after its operator apparently identified the police cruisers, Brady reports.

The patrolman activated his cruiser’s lights and attempted to initiate a stop, although the motorcycle’s operator reportedly refused to pull over. Parascandolo’s cruiser took the lead as Brady followed, and the motorcycle continued onto Hartford Avenue, bypassing a red light using a parking lot and continuing westbound while passing vehicles in the breakdown lane. The motorcycle turned right onto Hopkins Avenue without a signal, reaching speeds of approximately 60 mph, and then turned right onto Winsor Avenue without stopping at a stop sign and keeping the same rate of speed. At that point, the patrolmen lost sight of the motorcycle and canvassed the area.

While searching, Brady reports the patrolmen were notified by dispatch of a 911 call from residents of a Greenville Avenue home stating someone was in their backyard. The patrolmen responded and were met in the driveway of the residence by a male party who reportedly said, “I’m done guys, you got me.” Another party, a minor, was also at the scene. The male party was taken into custody, and the motorcycle was later located behind the home and towed to police headquarters.

Joseph R. Santagata, 18, of 48 Golden View Drive in Johnston, was charged with eluding an officer with a motor vehicle in a high-speed pursuit. He was additionally issued summonses for eight violations, including speeding, failure to stop at a stop sight, eluding a traffic light, turn signal required, use of the breakdown lane for travel and no active registration.

HOW THEY GET CAUGHT

Patrolwoman Brooke Ardito reports patrolling in the area of 1357 Hartford Ave. at approximately 2:13 p.m. on May 6 when she observed a blue Volvo S70 exit the parking lot of the Auto Zone on Hartford Avenue with an expired 2007 sticker affixed to the front plate, while was actively registered to a green 2000 Acura.

As the vehicle headed east on Hartford Avenue, Ardito reports the vehicle’s rear plate was actively registered to a blue Nissan, and a subsequent check revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Providence.

Ardito stopped the vehicle and approached the operator, whose license when checked was found to be suspended. A records check additionally revealed an active reciprocal body attachment from Family Court for failure to appear-nonsupport. The man also provided a private party bill of sale for the vehicle, although it was outdated with an April 11, 2014 sale date.

The operator was taken into custody, and Providence police confirmed the plate was actively stolen.

Robert A Marshall, 52, of 30B Merino Ave. in Johnston, was charged with receiving stolen goods and driving after suspension of a license. He was additionally held on the Family Court warrant and issued summonses for improper use of evidence of registration and operation of an unregistered vehicle.

MARIJUANA FOUND

Patrolwoman Brooke Ardito reports responding to a Scituate Avenue residence at approximately 9:53 a.m. on May 6 for a report of found property.

Ardito met the landlord upon arrival, who said that while conducting an exterior cleaning she observed the smell of burnt marijuana coming from an enclosed area next to the garage. The landlord reportedly said when she entered the area, a tenant of the residence quickly extinguished a marijuana joint and claimed to be storing kitchen items before exiting. The landlord told the patrolwoman that the garage area is off limits to tenants under their lease agreement.

The landlord further told Ardito that after the tenant left the enclosed area, she observed a green plant resembling a marijuana plant sticking out from under a tarp the tenant had said was covering her belongings. Ardito reports locating one plant under the tarp, which later tested positive as marijuana.

Sgt. Joseph Salvadore was advised and responded to the scene, and along with Ardito spoke with the tenant. The tenant reportedly acknowledged the items in the enclosed area were hers, but denied owning the marijuana plant and claimed she had been smoking a cigarette and not a joint. She also said the plant had been left by friends during a cookout, and told police one of the friends would respond to the scene with his medical marijuana card to retrieve the plant. That did not occur, Ardito said.

Ashley Masi, 23, of 18 Scituate Ave. was issued a summons for possession of marijuana one ounce or less.