Police Log

Posted 3/23/17

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE On March 4 at approximately 10:40 p.m., Officer Ali Jaafar along with other members of the department were dispatched to the intersection of West Shore Road and Draper Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle accident with

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Police Log

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DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

On March 4 at approximately 10:40 p.m., Officer Ali Jaafar along with other members of the department were dispatched to the intersection of West Shore Road and Draper Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle accident with injuries.

According to his report, at the scene Officer Jaafar met with Warwick Fire personnel who were tending to the occupants of one vehicle. Rescue informed the officer that the car was traveling eastbound on West Shore Road when a vehicle coming out from Draper Avenue failed to yield and drove into their lane, causing a collision.

Officer Jafaar then approached the vehicle, operated by Alycia Gustafson, of 39 Edythe Street in Warwick. Her car sustained heavy front end damage, much like the other vehicle involved. Gustafson appeared to be slurring her speech and attempted to drink a bottle of Gatorade as quickly as possible. She was told to put the drink down so the officer could ask questions.

During the conversation, Gustafson main concern was being able to drive the vehicle home and whether or not it would be towed. The vehicle was not drivable due to the damage it sustained, which completely destroyed the front end causing the car to leak multiple fluids. She was observed to have a flushed red face, bloodshot eyes, and the scent of alcoholic beverages emanating from her breath.

Gustafson stated that she had not consumed any alcohol before driving before agreeing to partake in a series of standardized sobriety tests. Based on her performance and the officer’s experience and training, she was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. She was handcuffed and transported to police headquarters, where she was booked and processed while her vehicle was towed.

At the station, she consented to a chemical breathalyzer test, which produced blood alcohol content readings of 0.138 to 0.132. She also admitted to drinking two Jager Bombs between 9 and 10:30 that evening. Gustafson was issued a citation for driving under the influence, first offense, failure to yield and laned roadway violations. She was later released to a sober adult.

VANDALISM

Officer Jonathan Reiff visited a Glen Drive residence on March 11 around 1:17 a.m. for a report of a damaged mailbox from an unknown vehicle.

The officer met with the complainant, who stated that she had returned to her home from work around 1:15 a.m., and observed the mailbox on her front lawn to be completely run down. She also saw tire tracks through the snow. A search of the area found no vehicles with front-end damage.

While there are currently no suspects or witnesses, the victim would like to press charges if a suspect is found.

LARCENY

On March 11 at approximately 2:40 p.m., Officer Julio Benros was dispatched to the best Buy off of Route 2 for a report of stolen property.

At the scene the officer met with the victim, who advised that her white apple iPhone 6S had been stolen. She told the officer that she entered the store at 1 p.m. She then visited the ladies room and discovered her pink wallet that held her phone was missing. She attempted to call her cell phone several times, and placed a lock on it. The phone was estimated to be valued at $700.

The wallet also contained the woman’s driver’s license and bank card, which she indicated she had cancelled. Currently there are no suspects.

STOLEN VALVE

Officer Michael Walker responded to Winslow Park off of Airport Road on March 12 just after 11 a.m. for a report of a stolen irrigation valve.

Officer Walker then spoke with the field director, who explained that sometime between November 2016 and the present time, the irrigation valve which was locked in a large above ground metal container had been taken.

Valued at $800, the brass valve was described as about 12 inches long and the box it was contained in was damaged. Currently there are no witnesses or suspects.

SHOPLIFTING

Officer Quentin Tavares, along with other members of the department, were dispatched to the Bald Hill Road Walmart for a report of a shoplifting in progress. Dispatch advised that a white male with a beard wearing a green hooded sweatshirt who was last seen in the electronics department selecting Playstation controllers. The man was observed utilizing a pair of bolt cutters to remove the controllers from security hooks.

At the store, officer positioned themselves ad various exits. A store manager informed the officers that the man was currently walking to the front doors. There, he was confronted by Officer Tavares and Officer Matthew Higgins. The man failed to remove his hands from his coat, and the officers proceeded to grab the male and remove his hands. He was then handcuffed.

Later identified as Nicolas DiMascio, 19, of 305 Shady Valley Road in Coventry, the controllers, valued at $479.68, were found inside his jacket along with bolt cutters and a small pocketknife. He was then taken into custody for suspicion of shoplifting and transported to police headquarters where he was fingerprinted, photographed and processed.

DiMascio was charged with one count of misdemeanor shoplifting and vandalism for the damage to the security hooks. He was later released with a district court summons.

SLUMPED DOWN

While on directed patrol of the Jefferson Boulevard Motel 6 on March 4 around 11:45 a.m., Officer Aaron Steere observed a gray Acura with three subjects who appeared to be slumped down in the vehicle.

According to his narrative, the officer ran a check of the vehicle due to the reputation of the area having criminal activity. He then learned that the car’s license plate did not match the vehicle, and observed the car leaving the motel lot. The officer then followed and conducted a traffic stop at the Jefferson Boulevard Dunkin’ Donuts.

The driver, later identified as Wifferson Manzano Hidalgo, 22, of 11B Evergreen Drive Apt. 19 in East Providence, advised the officer that his license was suspended. He also provided an undated, handwritten bill of sale and a title for the vehicle. Both passengers were also found to have suspended licenses.

A check of the vehicle found it had no active registration. Hidalgo was issued a court summons charging him with driving without a valid license, operation of an unregistered vehicle, improper use of registration and title, and no insurance. His car was towed to his residence, and he was released at the scene.

Comments

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  • RISchadenfreude

    I'm sure Mr. Hidalgo and his associates' reason for visiting the Motel 6 was just as legitimate as their, and his car's, documentation.

    Thursday, March 23, 2017 Report this

  • davebarry109

    pRETTY generous letting him tow his car to his residence when he had no license, registration or insurance. WPD getting soft?

    Saturday, April 1, 2017 Report this