JPD Issues Reports on Open Cases

this week reported two "open incidents," including a stolen car involved in a high-speed chase and the apparent theft of landscaping equipment.

On May 26, Ptlm. Michael Edwards was driving on Greenville Avenue when the dispatch officer told him that an off-duty Providence Police officer was in pursuit of a stolen car on Route 6 west, and that the vehicle had turned onto Atwood Avenue and was heading toward Greenville.

Edwards parked his cruiser in the parking lot of 514 Greenville Avenue, he reproted, and saw the black 2006 Volvo S40 go past him. Edwards also reported that he saw a "Hispanic male who appeared to be in his mid to late 40s" driving the car.

After Edwards began following the car, the driver sped up to "between 50 and 60" mph in the 25-mph zone on Greenville Avenue, according to Edwards's report.

The driver then drove onto George Waterman Road and then to Killingly Street, dodging traffic by crossing the double yellow lines and going through stop signs, Edwards reported.

Sgt. Joseph Salvadore joined the pursuit once the car reached Killingly Street, and the two Johnston officers assisted Providence officers when the chase crossed the town line.

Edwards reported that the local officers called off their pursuit after the vehicle crossed into Cranston on Interstate 95.

If caught, the driver faces charges of felony possession of a stolen vehicle and eluding police.

Leads Sought in Apparent Equipment Theft:

At about 7 am on May 29, Ptlm. Adam Catamero reported that he went to JTL Landscaping, 78 Railroad Ave., to investigate the apparent theft of equipment from the business.

Ryan Mitchell, an employee, told Catamero that he found three trailers on the property had been opened up and looted.

On all three trailers, the locks had been cut, and a leaf blower, a tree trimmer, a chainsaw, and a weed whacker had been stolen, according to Catamero's report.

The total value of the equipment was more than $5,000, Catamero wrote.

If found, the suspects in the case would face a felony larceny charge.

Anyone with information on these cases is asked to call the Johnston Police Department at (401) 231-4210, or email tips@johnstonpd.com