Police Log: July 14 to July 20

Disorderly Conduct Arrest:

arrested David R. Panarello, 66, of 1418 Park Ave., Cranston, on a charge of disorderly conduct, possession of marijuana, first offense, resisting legal or illegal arrest, driving in possession of a controlled substance, and presence of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle. Panarello was reportedly driving a yellow Ford Mustang with commercial plates on Atwood Avenue around 7 p.m. on July 20. As Lt. Robert Abbruzzese followed behind in his marked police cruiser, Panarello allegedly made an abrupt right turn onto Cherry Hill Road without signaling, then made an illegal U-turn, and turned right onto Atwood Avenue, according to Abbruzzese’s report.

As the Mustang passed by, Abbruzzese stated in his report, he
noticed the driver and front passenger were not wearing seatbelts. Abbruzzese stopped the car on Atwood Avenue. Panarello immediately got out of the Mustang and approached Abbruzzese’s cruiser in “an aggressive manner,” according to the police report. Panarello allegedly yelled obscenities at Abbruzzese and told Abbruzzese that he was a “joke.” Panarello continued on stating that his daughter is a Connecticut State Trooper that could "kick Abbruzzese’s [expletive]" according to the police report. Abbruzzese ordered Panarello several times to get back into his car.

Patrolmen Luca Lancellotti and David Loffler arrived as back-up. When Loffler arrived at the scene he observed Panarello’s driver’s side door open and he heard Panarello yelling obscenities at Abbruzzese. Abbruzzese asked Panarello for his license, proof of insurance, and registration. Panarello then allegedly yelled obscenities at all three of the officers as Abbruzzese tried to explain to Panarello why he was stopped. Panarello alleged refused to provide the information to Abbruzzese and handed him a business card for Connecticut State Police Trooper Panarello. Abbruzzese allegedly warned Panarello
he would be arrested for disorderly conduct if he continued to act in the same manner. Panarello’s response was “go [expletive] yourself and learn your job.”

The officers informed Panarello he was being arrested for disorderly conduct. Panarello did not cooperate with the officers when they placed him under arrest. He allegedly refused to put his hands behind his back and began to struggle with the officers. The officers took Panarello to the ground, handcuffed him, and placed him in the police cruiser.

The officers also reportedly found an open beer and a cellophane bag containing marijuana when they searched the Mustang. Panarello was released on $1,000 personal recognizance.

Counterfeit Money:

Johnston Police arrested Steven C. Ratoon, 50, of 43 Cannon St., Cranston, on two charges of passing counterfeit certificates/bills/notes.
An employee of Mobil Gas at 1901 Plainfield St. called Johnston Police
headquarters on July 10 when a Ratoon tried to use a counterfeit $50 bill to make a purchase. The employee recognized Ratoon as the same customer that used a counterfeit $50 bill to make a purchase on June 29.

Johnston Police Sgt. Megan Boulet and Patrolman Michael Andreozzi responded to the Mobil station around 10 p.m. Ratoon was still on the
premises. Ratoon allegedly told the officers that he received the counterfeit bill from a bar at Misquamicut Beach. He said he paid his bar tab with a $100 bill and the $50 was given to him as change. He also told the officers that he did not remember using a $50 bill on the other date in question. Andreozzi informed Ratoon that a criminal trespass order was issued and he would be charged for trespassing if he entered the business again.

The manager of the Mobil station provided Johnston Police Det. Thomas Dwyer with surveillance video from June 29. It shows Ratoon using a $50 bill to make a $3.21 purchase. The clerk at the time asked Ratoon if it was a counterfeit bill. Ratoon then began to fidget, stood back, and crossed his arms, according to the police report. The business kept the $50 in the safe and obtained a machine to detect for counterfeit bills. The same machine detected that the $50 bills were actually $5 bills.

A warrant was issued for Ratoon’s arrest on July 13. On July 19 officers successfully apprehended Ratoon at his residence.