Police Log

The Police Log is a digest of reports provided by the Johnston Police, Rhode Island State Police and other departments.

HIT AND RUN

On November 9 at approximately 5 p.m., Officer Arthur Petteruti responded to the Hurd Buick GMC on Hartford Avenue in reference to a motor vehicle accident. At the scene, Officer Petteruti was informed by Officer Derrick Palazzo that a thin built Hispanic suspect, later identified as Gilbert Dalomba Jr., 18, of 98 Brown Street, third floor in Pawtucket, had been observed operating a motor vehicle at the time of the collision. Officer Palazzo further stated that when he arrived on scene, he observed Dalomba seated in the front driver’s seat and was attempting to exit the parking lot.

Sergeant Stephen Altomari also conducted a show up with a witness, who according to the police report identified Dalomba as the driver during the accident. Officer Petteruti then spoke with Dalomba, who stated that he was driving his car and misjudged the distance of the gas pump at the nearby gas station and struck it while attempting to purchase gas. Dalomba told the officer that he was nervous because he did not have an active license and left the scene.

While speaking with Dalomba, Officer Petteruti noted a strong odor of cinnamon scented alcohol emanating from the suspect’s breath, and that he showed signs of being intoxicated. When asked, Dalomba allegedly said that he had “only a few” drinks, while officers observed two empty fireball whiskey shot bottles in the car’s middle cup holder. Dalomba was asked to submit to a series of standardized field sobriety tests, which he agreed to.

Based upon his performance during the tests, the officers’ observations and events leading up to the traffic stop, it was determined that Dalomba would be placed under arrest for suspicion of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. He was transferred to police headquarters, where he later refused to take a chemical breathalyzer test.

Dalomba was criminally charged with driving under the influence, first offense, refusal to submit to a chemical test, driving with an expired license. He was issued a Third District Court summons to appear on November 27.

WARRANT

Officer Merrick Cook was on patrol in the area of 200 Putnam Avenue on November 18 at approximately 4:45 p.m. when he observed a Mazda operating west on Putnam Avenue. The officer observed the car’s temporary plate to have an expiration date of November 5, and a traffic stop was initiated.

Contact was made with the operator, identified as Jensmia Batista, 39, of Westcott Avenue in Providence, who did not have proof of insurance for the vehicle according to the report. Background checks revealed that the car was unregistered and that Batista’s license was suspended. She also had an outstanding Sixth District Court warrant. Batista was then taken into custody and transported to headquarters where she was charged with operating an unregistered vehicle and operating without insurance.