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On January 6^th at approx. 12:20pm the Swansea Police Dept. in conjunction with Somerset Detectives and the South Coast Anti-Crime Team, executed a search warrant at 102 Elm St. Swansea. The search warrant which culminated a month long drug investigation into the sale of heroin from that address resulted in the arrest of two people, Matthew M. Silvia age 31 and Angela M. Gouin age 30 both of 102 Elm St. Swansea.

During the search Police found 120 bags of heroin, several hypodermic needles, $590 in cash as well as gaming material.

A minor child was also taken into custody and removed from the house by DSS after being notified of the situation by the police.

Ryan Simas of 286 Whitwell St. Quincy Ma. age 28 was sentenced in Fall River 2nd District Court on Tuesday to 6 months in the House of Correction after he plead guilty to selling cocaine to an Undercover Police Officer during a lengthy drug investigation at a Bar/Pool Hall in Swansea.

The sentence was the result of an 8 month long undercover drug investigation conducted by the Swansea Police with assistance from the South Coast Anti Crime Team, at Willaby’s Billiards 1199 GAR Hwy. in Swansea. During that investigation Undercover Police Officers made 17 individual purchases of Cocaine, Oxycontin, Vicodin and Marijuana from 2 patrons and a bartender at the establishment. Simas had been charged with making 5 cocaine sales and 1 marijuana sale. He was arrested on 8/8/03 at his former address in Westport by Swansea Det. Greg Ryan, Off. Joseph Martin and members of the task force. Besides the 6 months sentence Simas also received 2 years probation.

On Friday night January 14, 2005 the Swansea Police along with Somerset Detectives and members of the Southcoast Anti Crime Team executed a search warrant at 24 Glenwood Dr. in Swansea. Swansea Officers assisting in the execution of the warrant were Officer Gregory Ryan and Officer Patrick Mooney.

The search warrant was the culmination of a 4 month investigation conducted by Det. Marc Haslam with the assistance of Somerset Detectives Lt. Joseph Ferreira and Sgt. Jay Borges.

Seized from the house was nearly 2 ounces of marijuana, a digital electronic scale and items used to package marijuana. Over $600 cash alleged to be proceeds of drug sales was also seized.

On January 30, 2005 police received a call to respond to 297 Swansom Rd. When police arrived they discovered 32 year old Anthony Frias dead in the house. The death has been ruled a homicide. Swansea Detectives and State Police assigned to the Bristol County DA's office are investigating.

On Friday night March 4, 2005 the Swansea Police Department executed two search warrants on Bay St. in Swansea. The execution of these warrants culminated a 4 month investigation conducted by Det. Marc R. Haslam with the assistance of Ptlm. Donald DiBiasio and Ptlm. Patrick Mooney.

During the investigation and surveillance police observed what they believed to be sales of crack cocaine from the residence located at 15 Bay St.

These officers along with other Swansea officers and officers from the Bristol County Sheriffs Department executed the warrants at approximately 7:30 p.m.

During the execution of the warrant suspect crack cocaine, heroin, and assorted prescription medications were seized. Scales and packaging material commonly used to weigh, package and distribute narcotics were also seized.

Also seized were several double edged knives ammunition and assorted fireworks believed to belong to Timothy Kearns.

An unregistered motor vehicle on the street in front of the house was also towed from the scene.

Arrested were the two residents of 15 Bay St., Joyce Kearns and Timothy “Elmo” Kearns, as well as Kenneth Thorpe and Janet Teixeira who were present.

The department's Web site now includes records of the incidents to which officers are assigned, and provides easy e-mail access to its members.

SWANSEA -- On Sunday, the Swansea police arrested a 16-year-old for possession of marijuana.

They investigated a suspicious person at Macy's in the Swansea Mall at 2:55 p.m. Monday.

Wednesday, officers made 22 motor-vehicle stops -- citing a man for driving with a suspended license during one. They also broke up a domestic disturbance and investigated a reported sex offense.

Those were just a few of the 150-plus incidents the department has responded to this week. A few months ago, finding out about them would have required a trip to the police station to view the log book.

But today, an entry for each one of those incidents is just a mouse click away, thanks to www.swanseapolice.com, the department's Web site.

While reporters and members of the public often have trouble getting access to police reports and logs in many communities, Swansea puts its logs, press releases and forms for requesting incident and accident reports, along with other records, on its site.

The online log includes the reasons that the police were dispatched, and the dates and times and locations of responses. The department updates it at least three times a week.

Detective Marc Haslam, one of the officers in charge of setting up the Web site, said one reason for making so much information public was to aid reporters.

"You guys always call us for information," Haslam said. "If we don't tell you anything, you're just going to keep calling and calling and calling. So why not just give you the information up front?"

He said the information available to the media on the Web site has already helped the police with one investigation.

Last Thanksgiving, Patsy Watkins, a woman with mental disabilities, disappeared from the Swansea home where she was living. The police knew that she took a taxi to Fall River and boarded a bus to Boston, but the trail went cold after that. Getting information about Watkins out to the public became one of the department's top priorities, Haslam said.

"After I got the photo, it was on the Web site within an hour," Haslam said. "We told the media and they were able to get the photo almost immediately."

The Journal, along with other area newspapers and TV stations, ran the photograph of Watkins. When workers at a Boston homeless shelter saw the picture on TV two days later, they realized that Watkins was in their care, and they called the police.

Haslam said he also wanted to use the Web site to let more Swansea residents know what his department is doing.

"We thought it was important to have that information out in the community," he said. "There are some things the press doesn't run, and we wanted it to be available. Some people are under the impression that we don't do anything other than what they see in the paper."

The Swansea Police didn't have a Web site until last year. Chief George Arruda said that in an effort to modernize, the department used $718 from a community-policing grant and hired an outside company to design the site.

Arruda said he has received compliments from Swansea residents on the site's design and content.

"People in the community have been e-mailing all of my officers," he said. The site makes it easy to drop those officers a line -- just click on a name in the department roster to send an e-mail.

Other police departments have also had good things to say about the site, Arruda said. "To date, we've had no negative responses."

UNDER STATE LAW, dispatch logs are public information. Still, making them available online is a highly unusual move, according to Linda Lotridge Levin, chairwoman of the journalism department at the University of Rhode Island.

Levin, who helped oversee a public-records survey that examined all of Rhode Island's cities and towns, said police departments are typically more secretive than other municipal bodies, such as town halls or school departments.

"There's this culture of secrecy that goes on between the police and the public," she said.

Levin complimented the Swansea department for its site, but she wondered if the police ever leave calls off the online dispatch log.

Yes, Haslam said. The department might edit the online logs if posting information might hinder an investigation.

If the police arrest someone who will provide information leading to another suspect, they may not note the arrest in the logs immediately. The omitted entries would be added to the site later, Haslam said.

Haslam said the online log also doesn't include entries for the "premise checks" that the police do in areas where break-ins are common or for vacant houses. The department doesn't want anyone picking up on the patterns of officers' checks, or figuring out which houses are unoccupied, he said.

He also noted that dispatch logs don't always give an accurate account of what happens at the scene of a crime or emergency. Sometimes officers respond to the scene of an emergency and find something completely different from what they expected, he said.

For example, the online log said police responded to a "medical emergency" at 297 Swansom Rd. on Jan. 30. The call turned out to be for the death of Anthony Frias, 32, who had been shot in the head. The police are still investigating the matter as a homicide.

But the call came is as a medical emergency, not a death, so that's how it was listed in the dispatch logs, Haslam said.

On Friday April 1, 2005 Officers Patrick Mooney and Joseph Martin were monitoring traffic on Rt. 6. At approximately 12:30 they entered a registration plate of a passing motor vehicle into their laptop computer. They soon learned the registered owner had a suspended license.

After stopping the vehicle they arrested Allen Foster age 37 of 42 Evans St. Newport, RI for operating with a revoked license. After taking Foster into custody police discovered a baggie containing suspected marijuana in the vehicle and a mechanical scale commonly used to weigh narcotics. Also found in the vehicle were three counterfeit $100 bills.

Foster was transported to Police Headquarters for booking. While being booked Foster was searched prior to being placed in a cell. A glassine baggie was found in his pants containing 29 individually wrapped packages of suspected cocaine, weighing nearly 9 grams and another baggie containing suspected cocaine weighing nearly 9.5 grams.

Foster's vehicle was seized and forfeiture proceedings will be initiated through the District attorney’s office. Four cell phones and $297 in cash were also seized. He was transported to Fall River District Court where he was arraigned and held on $10,000 cash bail.

After conducting a hearing at the request of Police Chief George Arruda the Board of Selectmen voted last night to suspend the liquor license of Willaby's Billiards, 1199 GAR Hwy, for 90 days commencing in 10 days. Chief Arruda recommended revocation of the license after an 8 month investigation netted three arrests and convictions for various narcotic violations. During the investigation undercover police officers made 17 purchases of narcotics that included cocaine, marijuana, oxycontin and vicoden. The suspension may be appealed to the state Alcoholic Beverage and Control Commission.

At the Selectmen's meeting on May 4 Police Chief George Arruda released a Needs Assessment study on the Swansea Police Department that was conducted by Dr. Yolanda Scott of Roger Williams University. The purpose of the needs assessment was to develop a strategic plan to increase the Department's efficiency, effectiveness and accountability to aid the department and Officers in combating and preventing crime.

The needs assessment is the first step toward a plan to address funding for staff, equipment, training and a professional police facility.

Residents are being warned about a possible telephone scam. A resident reported receiving a phone call from a representative of Premier Benefits in California. The caller attempts to sell coupons for Walmart for $3.95 and also requests the last four digits of the consumers checking account. A check with Walmart revealed no such program sanctioned by them. Residents are cautioned not to give any personal financial information over the phone. When in doubt give no information, request a call back number and check with your local police.

The Swansea Police Department recently took delivery of a 2005 Harley Davidson Electraglide (FLHTPI) motorcycle. The newest edition to the police fleet is being financed through a community policing block grant.

A police motorcycle has many advantages over a police cruiser. It allows the officer to be more approachable to the public as opposed to the officer being enclosed in a police car. It also is more maneuverable than a police cruiser making it easier to negotiate grid locked traffic and accident scenes. Its smaller size allows officers to be less noticeable when performing radar assignments or special enforcement details. The motorcycle will be utilized for routine patrol functions as well as parades, funerals, road races, crowd control and other community events.

Patrolman Richard Gibeau, Patrick Mooney and Joey Faria are currently assigned to the motorcycle. These officers attended 40 hours of training which taught them specialized skills which include emergency braking, low and high speed maneuvers and parade riding and protocol. The school was taught by Harley Davidson certified instructors who have years of experience in training police motor officers.

Officers assigned to the motor unit can be easily identified by the “winged wheel” patch that is displayed on their uniform.

With the onset of Spring and warmer weather motorists are urged to pay particular attention to motorcyclists on the road. A majority of motorcycle accidents could have been avoided if drivers of automobiles were more alert to the presence of the motorcycle. Remember “Check twice – Save a Life”

The Swansea Police Patrolman's Association, in conjunction with Toys R Us, will be holding the annual bicycle rodeo on Saturday, May 21, from 10 am - 1 pm. Police officers along with a bike technician will be on hand to conduct a bicycle safety course and check bikes for defective equipment. Also, free helmets will be given away to the first 50 kids who are in need of one (while sizes and supplies last). Children who attend will have the chance to enter a raffle for a new bike from Toys R Us and the Swansea Police Patrolman's Association.

Officers assigned to the Southcoast Anti Crime Team were conducting a drug investigation. The investigation was lead by Det. Marc Haslam with the assistance of Somerset Police Officer Lance Mello and Capt. Nelson DeGouveia of the Bristol County Sheriffs Office. Also assisting in the investigation were officers from the East Providence Police Vice Unit. An undercover officer attempted to purchase heroin from the suspect on Wilbur Ave. in Somerset. Once offices moved in the suspect fled the area. He lead police on Rt. 195 westbound taking exit #3 and heading west on Rt. 6. At the intersection of Rt. 136 officers deployed stop sticks however the suspect turned around. He eventually crashed his vehicle on Vinicum Rd. With the assistance of Off. DeGouveia's K-9 and Somerset Officer Paul Trenholme and Sgt. Paul Shilekis two suspect s were arrested. Their names are currently being witheld. The operator faces numerous motor vehicle violations. They also face charges of attempted breaking and entering after they attempted to break into a house after they fled their vehicle.

The Drug Recognition Expert (D.R.E.) program is a nationwide effort to deter impaired driving by increasing the likelihood that people who drive under the influence of drugs will be detected, caught, and convicted. The D.R.E. program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is also strongly supported by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). The program was originally started by the LAPD in the 1970’s and has been spreading across the country. While there is currently D.R.E’s. in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Swansea Police Department will be the first department in the Southeastern part of the state to have a nationally certified D.R.E.. A D.R.E. uses a 12 step, systematic and standardized exam to detect a drug impaired person.

The training consisted of an intense two week (80 Hr.) class room portion. Off. Mooney attended this in RI in March. There was also a practical portion of the training which Off. Mooney attended in Phoenix AZ at the Maricopa County Jail. During this training he had to examine 12 individuals who were suspected to be under the influence of one of the 7 categories of drugs. The categories are Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants, CNS Stimulants, Hallucinogens, PCP, Narcotic Analgesics, Inhalants, and Cannabis. Of the people examined 75% of the results needed to be corroborated through toxicology tests in order to successfully complete this part of the training. Prior to being certified Off. Mooney still needs to complete a 4 to 6 hour written final exam. This exam will be held in RI sometime in June.

At 2:45 a.m. a resident of Bluff Ave. called police reporting a male looking into a vehicle with a flashlight. When Officer Jed Pineau and Sgt. Richard Looker arrived they observed a male identified as Wayne Turner age 20 inside a vehicle belonging to a neighbor. Turner told the officers that he was retrieving an extension cord from his bosses truck that he would need in the morning. Officers then woke the owner of the truck and told officers that Turner did not work for him and that he had no knowledge of who he was. Turner was arrested for breaking into the vehicle. The owner of the vehicle told officers that other tools were missing form his vehicle. These were found in a nearby house that Turner had claimed to be living at. Turner listed his address as 346 Ocean Grove Ave. Swansea, MA. He will be arraigned in Fall River District Court this morning.

After a three month investigation conducted by Det. Marc Haslam and Ptlm. Patrick Mooney police executed a search warrant at 12 West Promenade St. on Wednesday July 13, 2005.

Police initially received complaints from the neighbors of the West Promenade St. area. They told police that increased traffic to and from the Medeiros residence made them suspicious that Medeiros was selling drugs.

After conducting an investigation police executed a search warrant at the address. Police recovered a small amount of cocaine, marijuana and steroids. Also recovered was a digital scale and supplies used to package and distribute cocaine. Cash was also seized believed to be proceeds of the drug trade. As a result Peter Medeiros age 30 and his wife Jessica Medeiros age 27 were arrested and are being charged with the following offenses:

After conducting a four month investigation, the manager of the Citgo Gas Station located at 2264 G.A.R. Hwy. was arrested for selling marijuana.

The investigation conducted by Det. Marc R. Haslam and Ptlm. Marc Soares focused on the manager, Scott Lemos. Police received information that he was selling marijuana for quite sometime to customers coming into the gas station.

Over the course of the last 4 months an undercover police officer made purchases of marijuana from Lemos.

As a result Lemos was arrested on July 29, 2005 and charged with two counts of distributing marijuana. After police searched his van additional marijuana was found and he was additionally charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana. A total of 46 grams of marijuana was seized.

These officers were assisted by the Bristol County Sheriffs Department and Seekonk police who are assigned to Southcoast Anti-Crime team.

The Bank of America 755 G.A.R. Hwy was robbed on Saturday Sept. 3. A white male described as being in his mid 20's 5'9" 140 to 160 pounds walked into the bank and handed the teller a note demanding cash and indicating he had a weapon. The teller complied and he left the scene on foot with an undetermined amount of cash. No injuries were reported. This case remains under investigation.

If you have any information as to the identity of this individual please contact the Swansea Police Department at 508-674-8464,

Town of Swansea, population 15,901, is seeking candidates for the position of Reserve Police Officer. Applicants must be 18 years of age, minimum of 60 college credits required and/or two (2) years active military service and/or four (4) years National Guard Reserve service. Must be high school graduate or G.E.D./Reserve Officer position. A valid driver’s license is required. Applications are available at the Swansea Police Dept. Must be returned to the Swansea Police Dept. 111 Gardner’s Neck Rd., Swansea, MA 02777 no later than Thursday, Oct. 20, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. AA/EOE

Swansea resident Jody Messier, age 23, of 225 Ocean Grove Ave. was arrested by officers last night at her residence. Officers responded to keep the peace in a domestic situation. While Officers Patrick Mooney and Donald DiBiasio were at the residence Messier allegedly released her pit bull at both officers telling the dog to "go get them". Before the dog was able to attack the officers he was restrained by Messier's ex-boyfriend. She was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon to wit: a pit bull.

Early in the morning around 5:00 a.m. a male walked into the Tim Horton's Coffee Shop and stole a box containing donations to the Katrina Hurricane Relief Fund. The thief took off with an undetermined amount of money. He was captured on video surveillance. If any has any information as to the identity of this suspect please contact Off. Richard Roussel of the Swansea Police Department at 508-674-8464.

On Wednesday October 5, 2005 Swansea Police responded to the Swansea Mall for a female who was attempting to purchase items with stolen checks. When Officer Gregory Ryan arrived at the Lane Bryant store he spoke to the female suspect who had used a check to make a purchase there. Officer Ryan asked her if the checks were stolen. She told him they were. The checks were in the name of a Dartmouth, MA resident. This resident had just noticed the day before that her checking account was overdrawn and fraudulent charges had been made to her account. She reported this to Dartmouth Police and also called the Deb store in the Swansea Mall since one of the checks was used there. After the suspect used the stolen check to make a purchase Deb store employees notified police.

A male accomplice was with the female and was carrying property that was also believed to have been purchased with the stolen checks.

The suspect identified as Shannon D. Lewis age 28 of Fall River had on her possession a false Massachusetts Identification card in the name of the victim. She admitted to police that she ordered checks in the victims name and obtained a fake ID in her name as well. At this time it is unclear how the suspect obtained the victims information.

It was also learned that the two suspects also made fraudulent purchases at the Swansea Walmart. All the stolen property was returned to the stores they were stolen from.

Both suspect were arrested and held on $5000 cash bail. The investigation is continuing.

Shannon D. Lewis age 28 (listing herself as homeless of Fall River) is being charged with:

The Swansea Police would like to warn residents that these types of crimes are increasing. Residents should take extra care in protecting their personal information. Shred all trash that may contain your personal information and immediately report to police any fraudulent activity on your bank accounts.

On October 4, 2005 around 11:00 a.m. police received a call for a burglar alarm sounding on Cedar Cove Rd. When police arrived they discovered a door had been kicked in but due to a dead bolt and the alarm, entrance was not gained. An off-duty police officer who resides nearby heard the alarm and saw two suspicious males walking away from the area of the alarm. They were picked up by a vehicle and left the area. He provided the registration number on the vehicle. Through their investigation police requested a warrant for Timothy DeMelo age 26 of 294 Barnaby St. Fall River charging him with attempting breaking and entering and malicious damage to property. He was arrested on October 5, 2005 while in Fall River Superior Court. He was ordered held on $5000 cash bail. The incident was investigated by Ptlm. Peter Robidoux and Det. Marc Haslam

After a 2 month investigation Swansea Police and members of the Bristol County Sheriffs Office SouthCoast Anti-crime Team (SCAT) arrested Albert Hobson, age 35 of Queen St. Fall River. Hobson is believed to have been supplying a large amount of the crack cocaine available for sale in Swansea. Hobson’s vehicle was stopped on Maple Ave. at around 9:30 p.m. on October 25, 2005. A search of the vehicle turned up 58 individual baggies of suspected crack cocaine believed to be packaged for resale. Over 18 grams with a street value of nearly $2000 was seized. A 16 year old juvenile present with Hobson was also arrested. The vehicle and over $1600 in cash was seized as suspected drug proceeds. Hobson is being charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (subsequent offense), operating a motor vehicle to endanger and speeding. The juvenile is being charged with possession with intent to distribute a class B controlled substance. The investigation was conducted by Det. Marc Haslam with the assistance of Off. Patrick Mooney and Major Nelson DeGouveia of the Bristol County Sheriffs Office as well as other members of the SouthCoast Anti-Crime Team. (SCAT)

On Thursday night October 27, 2005 two local Swansea Businesses were robbed. The first occurred around 6:50 p.m. at Nails on First nail salon located on Rt. 118. In the robbery two suspects walked into the store brandishing guns and demanded money. They fled in a black vehicle possibly a Jeep with an undetermined amount of cash. They were both wearing ski masks and were described as being in their Late 20’s or early 30’s one male was 5’8” 210 lbs the second was 5’6” 185 lbs. This robbery has many similarities to the Seekonk robbery that occurred the night before. Swansea and Seekonk authorities are conferring on these cases.

The second robbery occurred at approximately 9:45 p.m. at Cumberland Farms located on Wilbur Ave. A white male suspect entered the store, indicated he had a gun in his pocket and demanded cash. The clerk gave the suspect the cash and he fled on foot around the back of the building. The suspect had a hooded sweatshirt tied up over his face and was wearing sunglasses. He was described as 6’3” in his 30’s.

On Tuesday evening the Swansea Board of Selectmen promoted Ptlm. Stephen Stone to the rank of Sergeant. Stone, a 29 year veteran of the department, was first appointed to the Swansea Police Department on May 4, 1976 as a reserve police officer. He became a full time patrolman on January 2, 1979.

At approximately 8:34 p.m. on November 3, 2005 the Swansea Police Department received a 911 call reporting a stabbing at 24 Maple Ave. When officers arrived at the scene they found a 25 year old male had been stabbed. He was transported to Charlton Memorial Hospital by Swansea Ambulance. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening. The suspect was identified as 20 year old Robert Gonsalves of New Bedford. Police learned that Gonsalves and another unidentified male went to the Maple Ave. address to see his ex-girlfriend. He was asked to leave the residence but refused. A struggle then ensued with the male resident of the house. During the struggle Gonsavles allegedly stabbed the victim on the right side. The suspects fled the scene in a gray or silver Mitsubishi Eclipse. The incident remains under investigation by Det. Marc Haslam and Ptlm. Joey Faria.

On November 4, 2005 Swansea Det. Marc Haslam and Ptlm. Joey Faria along with Capt. Kurt Espinola and Deputy Matthew Santos of the Bristol County Sheriff Department's Warrant Unit took Gonsalves into custody without incident at his residence , 155 Gayhead Crt. New Bedford, without incident. He was transported to the Swansea Police Station where he was booked and ordered held on $5000 cash bail at the Bristol County House of Correction. Gonsalves is being charged with armed assault wit intent to murder.

On November 5, 2005 at 12:42 a.m. (0042 hrs) Swansea Police Officers were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident, involving a Swansea Police Cruiser. Officers discovered a head on crash in the westbound lane of Rt. 6, (GAR highway) near Country Gardens Nursing Home. Both operators were trapped in their vehicles. The Swansea Ambulance and Swansea Fire Department were called to the scene for extrication. Both persons were transported to Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Sgt. Robert Cabral was pronounced dead at the hospital. Sgt, Cabral was a 26 year veteran of the Swansea Police Department, and was in charge of the midnight to eight shift.

The operator of the other vehicle was Wayne Smith, 49 years old, of 91 Peach Street in Swansea. He is being held at the hospital due to his injuries. His injuries do not appear to be life threatening.

Wayne Smith was arrested. He is currently charged with Operating Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor so as to Endanger, resulting in Homicide by Motor Vehicle; Operating Negligently so as to Endanger; and failure to stay in marked lanes. The Clerk of Courts has ordered Mr. Smith held in custody without bail.

The arrest and accident remain under investigation by the Swansea Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Accident Reconstruction Team, and the Massachusetts State Police Detectives Unit.

Sgt. Robert Cabral has been posthumously promoted to the rank of Lieutenant effective this date

On November 10, 2005 while officers from the Swansea Police Department were at the Mt. Hope cemetery for the funeral of Lt. Cabral the Slades Ferry Bank located at 2388 GAR Hwy. was robbed. State police and Somerset Police officers responded. Witnesses reported a black male suspect 6', 195 lbs wearing black entered the bank, jumped over the counter and stole an undetermined amount of cash. Another witness in the parking lot took down the suspects plate number and vehicle description as a white SUV. The plate was stolen from Fall River. Swansea Police detectives suspected Thomas Woodward may have committed this robbery as well as robberies that had occurred at the Bank of Newport in Warren, RI on October 25, and November 8. After conducting an investigation with Warren, RI police detectives a warrant was requested for the arrest of Thomas Woodward on the charge of unarmed robbery. Swansea Detective Marc Haslam and Officer Gregory Ryan assisted Warren and Newport Detectives in searching Woodward's home and vehicle's. Woodward was arrested by Newport Police on November 17 and he is being held at the ACI in Cranston. Woodward is 31 years old and listed an address of 5 Stewart St. Newport, RI.

Swansea Police received a call from the Hess Gas Station located at 35 G.A.R. Hwy. reporting an armed robbery. The clerk called 911 at 1:44 am to report being robbed at knife point. The suspect was described as a white male in his twenty’s wearing jeans, a blue hooded sweatshirt and brown work boots. He is about six feet tall and between 160 and 170 lbs. The male was last seen running east on Rt.6 toward the Somerset town line. An undetermined amount of cash was taken from the register. Any information about this incident please contact Ptlm. Pineau or Detective Haslam at the Swansea Police Station. 508-674-8464.

On Sunday December 18, 2005 the Swansea Police received a 911 call from a 55 year old lady who had been robbed at gun point in the Gold’s Gym parking lot located on Swansea Mall Dr. When police arrived they learned that the victim had just parked her car and was about to walk into Golds gym when she was approached by an Hispanic male who displayed a black semi-automatic handgun and demanded her wallet. The victim gave the suspect her cash and fled the area on foot.

After police arrived a description of the suspect was broadcasted to other officers in the area. The male was described as 5’7” to 5’8” with a skinny build and heavy Hispanic accent wearing jeans and a black hooded sweatshirt. A few moments later Officer Richard Roussel who was in the area looking for the suspect noticed a red Toyota Pickup truck traveling south on Swansea Mall Dr. with two Hispanic males in it. The passenger was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and fit the description obtained from the victim. With the assistance of Det. Marc Haslam and Officer Shane Mello Roussel attempted to stop the pickup. He refused to stop and fled. A subsequent pursuit ended in Fall River on Plymouth Ave. where it is believed the suspects ran out of gas.

After fleeing the area on foot both suspects were taken into custody by Officer Mello, Haslam and Roussel. The gun was found in the vehicle. They were transported to the Swansea Police station for booking.

The passenger in the vehicle is alleged to have approached the victim. He was identified as: Eduardo Mendes 26 years old of 518 S. Main St. Fall River. He is being charged with Armed assault to rob, larceny from a person and carry dangerous weapon,

The operator of the vehicle is identified as Victor Colon 27 years old of 50 Wattupa Heights Fall River. He is being charged with Armed assault to rob, larceny from a person, carry dangerous weapon, marked lane violation, endangering, suspended license and refusing to stop for police.

Both were ordered held without bail and transported to the New Bedford House of Correction.

On December 12, 2005 the Swansea Police Department began receiving complaints from customers from Building 19 located on Rt. 6 in Swansea. They reported to police that after using their credit card to make purchases or returns it was missing. Some of the customers did not notice that their cards were missing for several days. Some of them cancelled the account while they were still in the parking lot. Others learned that unauthorized purchases were being made on their accounts.

After conducting an investigation, Officer Mark Foley and Detective Marc Haslam obtained an arrest warrant for a clerk at Building 19. She was arrested on the warrant on Monday afternoon when she reported to work. She is identified as Amanda Benevides age 18 of 63 Peckham St. in Fall River. She is being charged with the following offenses:

Police learned that while she was working as a cashier at Building 19 she would return the customers credit receipt and keep the credit card. She then made several purchases of merchandise throughout Swansea and Fall River.

After being arrested she was ordered held on $5000 cash bail and transported to the New Bedford House of Correction.

The Swansea police would like to take this opportunity to remind consumers to be extra vigilant during this Holiday season. Be sure that if you use your credit card that you have it back in your possession before you leave the store. Also keep on hand the telephone numbers of your credit card companies in the event one of your credit cards is stolen so you can notify the credit card company immediately.

On the recommendation of Chief George Arruda the Board of Selectmen appointed Reserve Officers John Donley and Jaime Owens as full time Patrolmen for the department. Both officers are Swansea residents who are working on completing their Bachelors degrees. They will be starting immediately and will attend the training academy in the near future.

Purse, Credit Cards, other itmes Stolen at Cumberland Farms

On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2005 a Bristol, Rhode Island resident reported the theft of several items from her vehicle while she was at Cumberland Farms located on Rt. 6. She reports at approximately 12:14 she pulled up to pump gas into her vehicle. After pumping the fuel she entered the store to pay. When she returned to her vehicle she discovered her pocket book had been stolen that contained cash and credit cards and her checkbook. Also stolen was a digital camera and tickets to Disney on Ice. While conducting an investigation Officer John Donley learned the victim's credit card had been used at the 7-Eleven in Fall RIver and at stores in Westport and Dartmouth. Video surveillance from Cumberland Farms was taken in an attempt to locate the offender.