Police Log

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

BREAK-IN

Patrolman Matthew C. Rado reports being dispatched to Frank Ricci Tool Company and Anna Epoxy Company at 165 Dyerville Ave. at approximately 1:15 a.m. on May 14 for a report of a burglary alarm.

Upon arrival, Rado reports checking the front door at the northwest corner of the building and hearing three loud bangs. Moments later, he reports observing a suspect wearing a black mask and jacket who had kicked out the glass in the front door, exited the building and fled across the street.

After a brief pursuit through several yards and a brief struggle in the backyard of an Elm Street home, Rado reports apprehending the suspect and placing him under arrest. The suspect appeared to have banged his head while exiting the building, according to the patrolman, but refused medical attention both at the scene and later at Johnston headquarters.

A check of the building for other possible suspects revealed an open window on the east side of the building had served as the point of entry, Rado reports.

A supplemental report from Patrolman Michael A. Martufi Jr. indicates that while a search for additional suspects came up negative, there were three different sets of footprints found on the ground, indicating others were involved. 

Martufi reports that the owners of both businesses responded to the scene, and based on the size of the items that had been moved and apparently targeted by the thief or thieves – including an air compressor, television, laptop and printer – it is believed a vehicle was at some point involved in the crime.

Juan Martinez, 31, of 24 Donaldson St., Apt. 1 in Providence, was charged with two counts of breaking and entering into a building with criminal intent. 

ATTEMPTED THEFT

At approximately 9:52 a.m. on May 14, Patrolman Michael A. Martufi Jr. reports responding to the parking lot of the Home Depot at 100 Stone Hill Drive for a report of an attempted larceny of a motorcycle.

The reporting party, an employee, had indicated to dispatch that three Hispanic males had broken the ignition of a motorcycle belonging to a co-worker before fleeing the scene in an older model gray Acura.

A description of the vehicle was relayed and it was reportedly spotted on Central Avenue traveling toward Providence, although officers were unable to catch up to it.

Martufi reports that upon arriving at the Home Depot, he was directed by the victim to the motorcycle, which he observed to have a broken ignition. 

The witness to the incident told the patrolman one of the suspects was bald and had a beard.

In a supplemental narrative, Lt. Christopher M. Correia reports picking up the witness to conduct a “show up” identification of a suspect and vehicle that matched the description following a stop by Providence police at Priscilla and Union avenues in their city.

Upon arrival in Providence, Correia reports observing a Toyota Camry with a significant amount of paint primer on it. The witness, who remained in Correia’s cruiser, then reportedly identified the vehicle and suspect, who was standing with Providence police.

The suspect was taken into custody, and according to a supplemental narrative by Detective Thomas M. Dwyer later verbally acknowledged his role in the attempted motorcycle theft but refused to identify the other men involved.

Michael A. Rivera, 21, of 121 Whittier Ave. in Providence, was charged with attempted larceny over $1,500 and conspiracy.

DUI CHARGE

Patrolman Michael Protano reports responding to Sundae’s at 95 Greenville Ave. at approximately 8:53 p.m. on May 14 for a report of a motor vehicle accident with no reported injuries.

Upon arrival, the operator of the first vehicle, a pregnant woman, was being treated for any possible internal injuries. Witnesses reportedly told Protano the woman’s vehicle had been rear-ended by the second vehicle involved, and that the male operator of the second vehicle had subsequently approached the woman’s car asking if she was OK and apologizing. The witnesses also reportedly told the patrolman they overheard the male operator indicate to the woman that he was intoxicated. 

Protano then spoke with the male operator, and reports detecting a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage” on the man’s breath. When asked if he had been drinking, the man reportedly told the patrolman he’d had a few drinks and smoked marijuana.

Protano reports he then asked the male operator if he would submit to field sobriety tests, to which the man agreed. The patrolman reports the man displayed multiple indications of intoxication during those tests.

The male operator was subsequently placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence. He was transported to Johnston headquarters and later submitted to a chemical breath test, which reportedly yielded a blood alcohol level reading of .261 for the first blow and .252 for the second blow.

Dennis C. Culberson, 48, of 50B Hunter Ave. in Johnston, was issued a summons for driving under the influence of liquor or drugs-first offense.