Police Log

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

COCAINE, MONEY SEIZED

After a lengthy and joint investigation, Detectives from the Johnston and Providence Police Department executed a search warrant at 18 Rotary Drive in Johnston.

On Thursday evening, November 8, Detectives arrested Hovannes Yagoubian, 41, of Johnston. He was charged with manufacturing and possession with intent to deliver up to one kilogram of cocaine that had and estimated street value of approximately $45,000. Yagoubian was also charged with manufacturing and possession with intent to deliver marijuana and maintaining a narcotics nuisance, all felony charges under Rhode Island General Laws.

During his arrest, Detectives seized more than $17,000 in cash and packaging materials that may be related to drug dealing. Yagoubian was held overnight at Johnston Police Headquarters pending his appearance at Kent County District Court on Friday morning.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Officer Robert Cardoza responded to the area of Hartford Avenue and Reservoir Avenue on November 4 around 3:15 p.m. for a report of an erratic driver. Dispatch had received an advisory message from he Scituate Police Department that they had received several calls about an older model Mazda pickup truck that was crossing over the road’s lines.

Officer Cardoza reported that he located the vehicle, which initially appeared to be abiding by all traffic laws. However as the vehicle approached the on ramp to Route 295 south the vehicle made an abrupt right turn onto the ramp, crossing over the fog line and nearly hitting the guard rail. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, however the driver abruptly turned to the left in an attempt to correct his direction but overcompensated and drove across the lane and almost drove onto the dirt shoulder. The vehicle then continued without pulling over despite the cruiser’s light and siren being activated. Eventually the vehicle stopped on the Route 6 east.

As Officer Cardoza approached the vehicle, the driver, identified as Samuel Cardarelli, 49, of 8210 Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst, N.Y., allegedly stated “Why the [expletive] are you busting my [expletive]?” Officer Cardoza reported he observed signs of intoxication from Cardarelli, who had a mouth full of Tic-Tacs. While speaking with the officer, the half-chewed candies fell from Cardarelli’s mouth.

When asked if he had been drinking, Cardarelli refused to answer. He was asked to exit his vehicle, however he stumbled and nearly fell to the ground and was unable to stand without assistance. He then agreed to partake in a series of standardized sobriety tests. Based upon his performance, his interactions with the officer, and Officer Cardoza’s experience, it was determined that Cardarelli was unfit to operate a motor vehicle safely. He was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters while his car was towed.

At the station, Cardarelli refused to take a chemical breathalyzer test. He was issued a summons for laned roadway violations, driving under the influence second offense, and refusal to submit to a chemical breathalyzer test.

He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace McCaffrey and released on $1,000 personal recognizance with a November 19 Third District Court date.

WARRANT

On November 1 at approximately 5 p.m., Officer Arthur Petteruti responded to Plainfield Street for a dispersal of a male party, identified as James Lang, 56, of 95 Atwood Street in Providence. While en route to the scene, the officer was notified by dispatch that Lang had two active Superior Court warrants.

Responding to the scene, the officer observed Lang standing in front of 1309 Plainfield Street. Lang was placed under arrest without incident and transported to police headquarters for processing. He was then held awaiting transport to the ACI.