DUMPSTER FIRE

Officer Jacob Elderkin was dispatched to the Warwick Avenue Big Lots on March 8 around 10 p.m. for a report of a fire that had been set in their dumpster the previous evening.

At the scene the officer spoke with the store’s manager, who stated he had arrived at work that afternoon and noticed that the dumpster stored behind the building was badly scorched. He believed the incident must have occurred the night before or in the early morning. It appeared the fire was not reported to the police or fire department and was already extinguished and cold when the damage was discovered.

There was no video surveillance available of the incident, and there are currently no suspects or witnesses.

CAR VANDALIZED

On April 6 at approximately 4:07 a.m., Officer Christopher Cote was dispatched to a Benedict Road residence for a report of vandalism to a vehicle.

Officer Cote met with the complainant who explained that she was sitting inside her home when she heard what sounded like a vehicle outside of her front window. She then heard other noises and went outside to see that there were scrapes on her driver’s side window and that the driver’s side mirror was smashed and no longer attached to her vehicle.

The woman stated that she had no idea who may have damaged the car. According to the police report, it appeared that someone drove by and threw bricks at the vehicle. There are currently no suspects or witnesses.

STOLEN BIKE

Officers Manuel Pacheco and Walter Larson were dispatched to Allen Avenue on April 3 for a report of a larceny in progress. Dispatch had advised the officers that the reporting party had stated that a bald white male with a beard had broken into his shed and had taken a bicycle before heading towards Comma Street.

Upon arrival the officers met with the witness, who stated he had observed an older white male approximately 45 years old walk through the yard into the shed and take a bike. He said he chased the man down on foot, and when caught the man easily gave up the bicycle. He said he believed that the man was harmless and had no idea what he was doing due to his intoxicated state. The suspect was last seen walking down Comma Street.

The officers then met with the resident, who identified the bicycle as a Trek valued at about $400. After closer inspection of her yard, the resident noticed that she was missing an aluminum extension ladder, but was unsure when she had last seen it.

An extensive check of the area was made, including to problem houses regularly involving intoxicated subjects, but attempts to find a suspect were unsuccessful. The case was forwarded to detectives for follow up.

SHOPLIFTING SUSPECT TURNS HERSELF IN

Davina Simoneau, 35, of 1178 Elmwood Avenue, Apt. 2R in Providence, was recently arrested for allegedly shoplifting.

On February 21 around 12:45 p.m., Officer Jill Marshall was dispatched to the Colleen Haxton’s Liquors on Post Road in reference to a theft from the store.

Officer Marshall met with employees, who stated they noticed that shelf inventory was low in a couple of areas in the store. After performing a count, they realized that alcohol had been stolen. Video surveillance was then watched, and white female with bright red hair was observed taking several bottles valued at a total of $62.88.

Employees had forwarded an image of the woman to other stores in the area, and a friend at another establishment stated the woman looks familiar and believes her to be the same person that brings alcohol in to return for cash. The video from the store was obtained and forwarded to detectives for review.

On March 2, case details along with a photograph of the suspect were posted on the department’s Facebook page. Shortly thereafter, Sergeant Andrew Sullivan received multiple anonymous tips that the suspect was Simoneau. He reviewed photographs from prior arrests and made a positive identification. On March 16, Sgt. Sullivan and Detective Jeffery Viveiros responded to her Elmwood Avenue address, but there was no answer at the door. A warrant was then issued for her arrest.

Simoneau turned herself in to the Warwick Police on March 28 for her misdemeanor shoplifting charge. She was fingerprinted and photographed before being released with a District Court summons.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

A woman who was recently stated, “Yes officer, I have had two glasses of wine this evening,” was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence.

While on patrol on Route 95 north on April 3 around 1:24 a.m., Officer Thomas Duncan observed a BMW swerving all over the road. According to his report, he used radar to clock the car traveling 76 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone. He also observed the car move from the high speed lane to the low speed lane without signaling. He then initiated a traffic stop.

The officer made contact with the driver, identified as Yelena Begunts, 40, of 1076 Central Avenue in Johnston. While speaking to her, the officer observed signs of intoxication and noticed a strong odor of alcohol emanating from her. She at first denied drinking that evening before telling the officer she had two glasses of wine.

After additional officers arrived on scene, Begunts agreed to partake in a series of sobriety tests. Based on the officer’s experience and training, along with his interactions with Begunts, it was determined that she was unfit to operate a motor vehicle safely.

Her car was towed from the scene, and she was placed under arrest. After being transported to police headquarters, she refused to take a chemical breathalyzer test.

Begunts was processed without incident and issued a court summons for driving under the influence, first offense, refusal to submit to a chemical breathalyzer test, speeding, laned roadway violations, turn signal required, and no insurance. She was later picked up by a sober adult.