Police Log

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

ARMED ROBBERY

On September 12 around 7 a.m., Officer Mario Mennella along with several members of the police department were dispatched to the area of Merino Avenue and Homestead Street for a report of an armed robbery.

According to the police report, at the scene officers spoke with the reporting party, who stated that his friend, Andrew Doyle, 21, of 44 Archer Avenue in Johnston, called and asked him if he wanted to go to Cumberland Farms to get something to eat. The two met at the corner of Elm Street and Merino Avenue. According to the complainant, Doyle arrived on a blue BMX-style bicycle and the two entered Cumberland Farms at approximately 4 a.m.

In the store, an attempt was made by the reporting party to change a $50 bill. The cashier stated that it is store policy that they could not change a large bill and that a purchase would have to be made. The two then left the store and headed towards Day Street. There, Doyle asked his friend if he would like to see something. Doyle then pulled a black handgun from his pocket, pointed it at his friend’s face and allegedly said, “empty your pockets.” He then took the $50 bill from his friend, told him to turn around and to start running.

The man ran away and then called police. He told the officers that he didn’t know the address where Doyle was staying but that he could point it out if taken there. Officers then transported the man to 44 Archer Avenue where they spoke with Doyle’s mother, who said that her son does not live at the residence and she had no way to get in touch with him. Doyle’s mother then said that he will often stay at his girlfriend’s house. Officers then responded to that residence where they found the suspect.

Officers entered the girlfriend’s residence and made contact with Doyle in one of the downstairs bedrooms. He was taken into custody. After a consent form was signed by the owner of the house, officer conducted a search which revealed a $50 bill in a wallet, and a black air soft gun in the ceiling directly above the side of the bed where Doyle was sleeping.

Doyle was charged with first degree robbery, and use of a firearm while committing a crime of violence, both felonies.

ASSAULT

Officer Joseph Scotti met with a man who walked into police headquarters on September 8 at approximately 7:30 to report that he had just been assaulted. Rescue was contacted due to the fact that the man had minor visible injuries to his face and head.

The man provided a verbal account of the nature of the assault to Officer Scotti. According to his story, the man was arriving back to his employer on Putnam Avenue after completing a school athletic bus trip. The man indicated that William O’Neill, 58, of 90 Elliot Avenue in North Providence, also arrived back at the property after completing a separate bus trip. O’Neill approached the victim’s personal vehicle and asked if he had a problem before he started throwing punches moments later.

The victim indicated that he had not had any issues with O’Neill at work and stated that he was unsure why O’Neill assaulted him. The victim was later transported to Fatima Hospital to be treated for his injuries.

Officer Scotti obtained a contact number for O’Neill and made contact with him. O’Neill was asked if he was involved in an incident on Putnam Avenue and replied “yes,” according to the police report. O’Neill was asked to respond to police headquarters to provide a statement, and later completed a written account. According to O’Neill’s version of events, the victim had been harassing him since the beginning of the year.

O’Neill was taken into custody and charged with assault on a person over the age of 60 causing bodily injury and disorderly conduct. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Solomon, and bail was set at $3,000. As part of his bail conditions, he was ordered to have no contact with the victim.

VANDALISM

A suspect recently accused of vandalism in Johnston has been detained by the police.

On July 11 at approximately 3 a.m., Officer Merrick Cook responded to the Killingly Street Cumberland Farms for a report of vandalism. At the scene he met with the caller, who stated that approximately an hour earlier his vehicle was damaged by a suspect known to him as Ernie Miller. According to the complainant, he was in the parking lot of Cumberland Farms when he observed Miller and a female acquaintance arguing in the parking lot.

The man stated that he went to break up the argument when Miller became angry at him and kicked the passenger side front door of his car and then left the scene. Officer Cook observed the damage to the vehicle, which was a small dent to the door. The man told the officer that he wished to file criminal charges against Miller. Checks of the area for Miller proved negative, and on July 26 an affidavit and arrest warrant was drafted for Ernest Miller Jr., 30, of 2 Eagle Street in Johnston for the charge of vandalism/malicious injury to property.

On September 12 at approximately 2 p.m., officers responded to the Cranston Police Department to obtain custody of Miller, who had been detained. He was then transported to Johnston Police headquarters where he was processed for the outstanding warrant.

STOLEN PHONE

On September 12 at 5:30 p.m., Patrolman Arthur Petteruti responded to the Plainfield Street Petroil in reference to a stolen cell phone. At the scene he met with the reporting party, who stated that he was stocking shelves that day when he observed a customer enter the establishment. He recognized the customer as the man came into the store frequently. The customer purchased a cigar wrap and then left the establishment.

Later, the reporting party could not locate his cell phone. He then reviewed security footage and discovered that the customer reached over the counter, took the phone, then placed it in his pocket. The complainant stated that the suspect had previously applied for employment at the store, and provided the officer with his job application. According to the application, the name listed was for Andres Reyes, 19, of 45 Clemence Street, second floor, in Cranston.

Officer Petteruti then met with Lt. Salvadore of the Cranston Police Department and responded to 45 Clemence Street in an attempt to locate Reyes. There, officers observed Reyes, who attempted to run up the building’s stairs. He was apprehended and searched, and a phone was located in his pocket. He’s alleged to have told officers that he “took it today from the gas station.” He was then taken into custody and transported to police headquarters.

At headquarters, an inventory search of Reyes’ personal belongings revealed a green leafy substance and four green pills. The pills were later found to be Aprazolam (Xanax) and the plant material tested positive as marijuana. Reyes was charged with Possession of a schedule IV drug, possession of marijuana and larceny under $1,500.