Police Beat: Marijuana, Shoplifting, Suspicious Fire

SUSPICIOUS FIRE
Officials are investigating a suspicious fire that broke out on March 9 on South Olney Street.

Police said a passerby called in the fire, which he saw while traveling on Route 6. Police tracked it down to the house at 12 S. Olney St. Officer Joseph M. Schichilone Jr. reported that he attempted to kick in the front door but couldn't because of the icy porch. The fire department responded a few minutes later and quickly put out the fire.

Later, police were told by fire officials that the fire appears to have started on the rear steps of the house. Officials took samples of debris on the stairs for analysis.

Police said a resident of the house told police she thinks her boyfriend set the fire. Police said the boyfriend, who has not been charged with anything, had been arrested "numerous times" in the past few days on a variety of domestic assault, disorderly conduct and breaking and entering charges.

Police and fire officials continue to investigate. 

CHASE LEADS TO POT BUST
Johnston Police charged a 35-year-old Providence man with a slew of charges relating to a high-speed chase that ensued after he allegedly sped away from a traffic stop after driving erratically.

According to police, an officer on routine patrol saw Moussa Balla Cissoko, 0f 243 Rankin Ave., Providence, turn his blue Kia minivan onto Atwood Avenue without a turn signal.

The plates on the Kia went back to a grey Volvo last registered in 2010.

Once stopped on Borden Avene, Cissoko told police that his name was "George Wills" and gave a fake social security number to Lt. Seth D. Crosby. As Crosby walked back to his cruiser, Cissoko reportedly sped off and led police on a chase along Atwood Avenue with speeds that exceeded 80mph.

The Kia began to smoke heavily and soon came to a stop.

Once in custody, Cissoko told police that he took off because "I didn't know what to do, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disrespect you."

Police found a small bag of marijuana on Cissoko. They also saw that he had three outstanding warrants and prior convictions of high speed chases and marijuana possession as well as five licenses suspensions in one year.

For the new incident, Cissoko was charged with marijuana possession, felony driving with an invalid license, felony reckless driving, obstruction of justice and driving while in possession of a controlled substance. 

SHOPLIFTING
One man's desire to smell good landed him under arrest for shoplifting charges after he got caught trying to steal cologne from Burlington Coat Factory on Atwood Avenue, police said.

Jose Enrique Roldan, 41, of 41 Lennox St., Providence, allegedly walked into the store at around 5 p.m. on March 7 and walked into the changing room along with two bottles of LaCoste cologne and 1 bottle of Mark Ecko Blue cologne.

A store security officer heard tearing and ripping noises from the changing room a short time later. He asked Roldan over the door if he was stealing anything.

"No," Roldan said before leaving the changing room — and the three boxes of cologne, two of which were cut open.

Store security officials led Roldan to the loss prevention office, where they found two bottles of cologne and two box cutters.

Police soon arrived and took Roldan into custody. He was charged with shoplifting.