Police Log

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

SHOPLIFTING AND MORE

On Aug. 29 at approximately 8:15 p.m. Officer Thomas Duncan along with other members of the department were dispatched to the Bald Hill Road Macy’s for a report of a shoplifting in progress.

According to the report, Officer Paul Wells was already on scene speaking with Warwick Mall security, who were providing updates on where the suspect was. The alleged shoplifter was described as a white male wearing a black shirt, gray pants and had a black backpack which he had filled with items taken from the store.

After almost an hour inside Macy’s, the man walked out of the mall after passing all points of sale without making a purchase. WPD officers confronted the man, later identified as Michael Desouza, 41, of 107 George St., first floor in Johnston, outside of the store. He’s reported to have told the officer that he was sorry that he had to “steal some items this evening.”

A statement provided by store security indicated that Desouza was observed through store security cameras. Security personnel recognized the suspect from being in the store two times during the previous weeks. Both times he was observed taking merchandise, but that the store was unable to apprehend him.

The total value of merchandise taken on Aug. 29 totaled $266.92 in value. Desouza was taken into custody and officers began to pat him down. Desouza then advised that he had a baggie of heroin in his right pocket. Officers then located the bag and it was seized. Desouza was then transported to Warwick Police headquarters. There he was charged with misdemeanor shoplifting and felony possession of a Schedule I-V drug.

ASSAULT

On July 22 at approximately 7:20 p.m., a complainant responded to police headquarters for a report of an assault that occurred on July 21. According to the police report, the reporting party stated that at approximately 6 p.m. he was walking along Central Avenue when a black sedan passed his location. He then felt that he was struck on the back of the head by an object while the vehicle passed.

The man stated that he was in some discomfort but did not immediately seek medical attention. He later visited Fatima Hospital on July 22 to be treated for a minor head injury, later diagnosed as a scalp contusion. Medical records were then provided for evidence.

The complainant stated that Matthew Blinkhorn, 20, of 23 Chestnut Hill Ave. in Johnston, sent him a Facebook message admitting to throwing a water bottle at his head. The man took a screen shot of the message and provided the officer with a copy. Several attempts were then made to contact Blinkhorn without success, and an arrest warrant was prepared.

On Aug. 29 at approximately 2:45 a.m., JPD officers responded to the East Greenwich Police Department to take custody of Blinkhorn, who had been taken into custody in that town. Blinkhorn was transported to Johnston Police headquarters where he was booked and processed for misdemeanor simple assault or battery.

ACCIDENT

Patrolman David Slinko responded to the intersection of Dyerville Avenue and Killingly Street on Aug. 25 around 9 a.m. for a report of a two-car accident. According to the police account, Operator 1 was exiting Dyerville Avenue when the front of his vehicle struck the passenger side of Vehicle 2. Operator 2 stated she was traveling north when she was struck.

Officer Slinko observed video surveillance of the area from Global Motor Sales. The video clearly showed Vehicle 2 operating at a high rate of speed and crossing the double yellow line, pass two vehicles in the northbound lane and travel approximately two car lengths in the opposite south bound lane of travel when the car was struck on its passenger side.

The operator of Vehicle 2, identified as Diana Siri, 36, of 27 Roanoke St. Apt. 2 in Providence, was found to be driving on an expired license. She was issued violations for driving with an expired license, operating at a reasonable and prudent speed, operating in conditions requiring reduced speed, and overtaking on the right.

SUSPENDED LICENSE

On Aug. 27 at approximately 8:40 p.m., Patrolman Michael Martufi was dispatched to the intersection of Plainfield Street and John Street for a motor vehicle accident. At the scene he discovered that the vehicles involved had been moved from the point of collision. Both vehicles were damaged, and one later had to be removed from the scene by tow truck. According to the police report, the accident appeared to be consistent with a broadside collision.

Based on evidence collected at the scene, and from accounts provided by both drivers, it was determined that Fernanda Cabral, 43, of 40 Stony Brook Drive in Cranston had failed to yield to oncoming traffic as she attempted to turn left onto Plainfield Street. Cabral was issued a Municipal Court summons for failure to yield.