JPD Releases Full Report On Failed Armed Robbery

Johnston Police released their report of an attempted robbery on Oct. 10 that left two people injured.

The suspect, described as a young looking black man, about 6-ft.-2 and weighing between 220 to 240 lbs., may be the same person who tried to rob a convenience store in Woonsocket in the early morning hours of Oct. 8.

According to Johnston police, the suspect — who was armed with a plastic gun — pistol-whipped and punched the owners of Best Car Rentals on Plainfield Street on Oct. 10 in an attempt to rob them of their jewelry and money.

The victims, also husband and wife, told Johnston Ptlm. Luca A. Lancellotii Jr. that the man entered the business looking to rent a car at about 2:30 p.m. When the husband told the suspect that he was too young to rent a car, the man responded by jumping to his feet and pulling out a black handgun. The suspect pointed the gun “hard and forcefully” against the owner’s forehead, according to Lancellotti’s report.

The robber then ordered the owner to give him everything in his pockets, while trying to rip the bracelets and rings from the husband’s arms and fingers. The husband and his wife tried to calm the robber down, but
the suspect became more violent and allegedly struck the owner in the temple area and forehead with the gun.

After the husband fell to the ground, his wife grabbed for the gun. The robber punched the wife several times in the face and pushed her to the ground, according to the police reports. The suspect fled on foot towards Silver Lake Avenue after dropping the shattered black plastic revolver on the floor of the car rental business.

Johnston rescue personnel treated the husband for cuts to his head and scratches on his arms, and the wife for a cut inside her lip. The couple declined to be taken to the hospital by rescue.

WPRI television released surveillance video of the Johnston attack on Oct. 11. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Johnston Police Department at (401) 231-4210.