SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN STOLEN WHEELS CASES

Since March of 2017, the Warwick Police Department has received 18 separate incidents of tire and rim thefts.  On May 22 at 8:20 p.m., Warwick Police officers along with detectives were conducting surveillance in the city at various locations in reference to those thefts. 

At that time, officers observed a maroon, 4-door, 2005 Acura RL, bearing one single RI registration plate in the rear, operating in the Holiday Inn Express parking lot occupied by two white males. The vehicle had been identified as a suspect vehicle in prior larcenies and was followed by officers.   A short time later this vehicle was stopped in the parking lot of a gas station at the intersection of Post Road and Coronado as a result of the officers/detectives suspicions as well as multiple moving violations. 

Immediately upon stopping the vehicle, officers observed several items inside of the vehicle in plain view associated with tire and rim thefts.  Both occupants were charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit larceny and transported to Warwick Police Department Headquarters, where they were interviewed by detectives.  The subjects were identified as Belter Giron, 20, from Hudson St, Providence as well as Jonathan Adames, 20, from Bodell Ave., Providence. 

RECEIVING STOLEN GOODS

On May 19 at approximately 5 a.m., Officer Jeremy Smith was dispatched to the area where Benedict Road intersects South Atlantic Avenue for a report of two males walking the streets possibly taking items from cars.

At the scene, the officer observed the two males, and one immediately ducked into a driveway while the other suspect continued to walk down the street. Officer Smith parked his cruiser and approached the driveway where the first suspect was seen. There he confronted the man, later identified as Jeremy Polanco, 23, of 95 Hudson Street in Providence. Polanco was holding a computer bag and had a large bulge in the front pocket of his hooded sweatshirt. The officer asked him if he lived at the address, to which he stated that he didn’t and that he lived in Providence. He also could not come up with an answer as to where he got the computer.

According to the report, the officer took possession of the computer and patted Polanco down for weapons and contraband. A white label was found on the laptop inside the bag, with a name and address of a resident who lived a few houses away from the scene. She later verified that the laptop was hers, and indicated that she wished to press charges. The computer was then returned to her.

Other officers were called to the scene and located the second suspect, however he only had a set of car keys on his person, and no stolen goods were found.

Polanco was arrested and transported to police headquarters, where he was charged with one count of receiving stolen goods. He was held for the next session of Third District Court as a bail violator.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Donald Lopes, 49, of 1988 Phenix Avenue in Cranston, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence on May 27 around 2:30 a.m.

According to Officer John Curley’s report, he was on routine patrol on Post Road when he observed Lopes’ car traveling north on Post Road while crossing over the middle double yellow lines. The vehicle was seen swerving back and forth between lanes, and almost struck a curb.

After the officer initiating a traffic stop, Lopes stated that he returning home, and that he had consumed a couple of drinks. Officer Curley indicated that he observed several signs of intoxication, and asked Lopes to take a series of standardized sobriety tests, which he agreed to.

Based upon the officer’s experience and training, it was determined that Lopes was unfit to operate a motor vehicle safely. He was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was booked and processed. He later refused to take a chemical breathalyzer test. He was charged with driving under the influence first offense, refusal to submit to a chemical test, and laned roadway violations. He was then released to a sober adult.

VANDALISM

Officer James Vible responded to the Post Road Sheraton Hotel on May 24 around 9:45 a.m. for a report of a vehicle with a smashed window.

At the scene he met with the car’s owner, who stated that he had parked the vehicle directly behind the pool area of the hotel the prior evening. Later the next morning, he was notified that his front passenger window had been smashed. The owner stated that he was not missing anything from the interior of the vehicle and was very surprised as he had several thousands of dollars worth of fishing equipment inside the car.

The complainant stated he did not know who may have damaged his car but did wish to press charges. Currently there are no suspects or witnesses, and the case was forwarded to detectives for review.

STOLEN WELDING EQUIPMENT

On May 24 around 8:20 a.m., Officer James Vible responded to Motel Six on Jefferson Boulevard for a report of a larceny from a vehicle.

At the scene he met with the reporting party in the rear of the parking lot. He showed the officer his car, which had a broken passenger side vehicle. The victim explained to the officer that he fixes air conditioning and heating units, and when he parked his van in the lot the previous evening it was locked and in good condition.

When he returned around 7:30, he found the broken window and discovered a welding system, valued at $750 was missing. He was surprised to find that several thousand dollars worth of tools had remained untouched. The victim indicated that he wished to press charges, and the case was forwarded to detectives for review.