Crime & Safety

Suspect Threatens to 'Assassinate' State Police

State Police issued a call for help in identifying the caller, who said "the Mexican gangs" were "out to get" state troopers.


Rhode Island State Police Col. Steven O'Donnell is asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect who called the Warren Police Department and threatened State Police officers.

According to O'Donnell, the caller contacted the local department on Feb. 8, the day after Benjamin Servideo, 24, of Newport, pleaded guilty to two traffic violations stemming from a fatal car accident in East Greenwich.

Rhode Island Atty. Gen. Peter Kilmartin and the state police declined to file criminal charges against Servideo in the accident, which killed Sullynette Sanchez, 23, of Providence. At the time, Sanchez was eight months pregnant. Doctors removed the baby, but he died two weeks later.

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"State Police officers will be assassinated within the next 72 hours," the man says in a recording of the call posted on the State Police website, "because they did not bring charges against the man who killed that poor Spanish baby and the woman. That is racist and abuse of power."

The caller also stated that "the Mexican gangs are out to get them," referring to state police.

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When the Warren officer asks the caller, "Why are you letting me know that?" the man replied: "Well, you [expletive] idiot, you pass it on to them."

In the statement released Wednesday, O'Donnell said the state police tracked the call to a pay phone Central Falls. Photos and surveillance video of the suspect were also posted on a special web page on the case.

O'Donnell asked anyone with information to call the State Police Tip Line at 1-866-490-TIPS (8477).


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