Police: Man Fled With Infant In Car

arrested David J. Ledo, 29, of 198 Vine St., Pawtucket, on Aug. 17 on a charge of cruelty to or neglect of a child, reckless driving, eluding a police officer with a motor vehicle, and driving with an expired license.

On Aug. 15, the Foster Police Department sent a notification that officers were seeking a 2000 gold Oldsmobile Aurora for a well-being check on the driver. While patrolling the area of 2880 Hartford Ave., Johnston Patrolman Derek Parascandolo spotted the car and pulled it over. Patrolman Jared DeAngelis arrived to assist Parascandolo.

The driver did not produce identification but told Parascandolo his name was David Ledo. As Parascandolo spoke with Ledo, he noticed an infant sleeping in a car seat, according to Parascandolo’s report.

Parascandolo ran a check on Ledo and learned he had two court warrants. Ledo suddenly put his car in Drive and fled the scene, cutting off another car as he pulled onto Hartford Avenue, according to reports.

Ledo allegedly weaved in and out of traffic on Hartford Avenue at 85 miles per hour, according to Parascandolo’s report. Ledo allegedly accelerated faster and turned onto the Route 6 on-ramp. At the split, Parascandolo continued onto Route 6 and DeAngelis continued onto Interstate 295 South. Ledo allegedly continued to weave in and out of traffic on 295 “at a high rate of speed,” according to De Angelis’ report. Ledo took the Plainfield Street exit and then continued on to Comstock Parkway in Cranston.

At that time, Johnston Sgt. Michael Babbitt stopped his pursuit because of Ledo’s high rate of speed and the infant being in the car.

Johnston Detectives Thomas Dwyer and Richard Almonte arrested Ledo in Warwick on Aug. 17. Ledo was arraigned and surety bail was set.