November 27, 2004
Missing Person Patsy Watkins Found
Patsy Watkins was found in Boston on Saturday night as a result of a phone tip. Boston Police received a phone tip that Watkins was staying at a Boston area homeless shelter. When Boston Police arrived in the area Officer Ted Beadreau located Watkins. She appeared to be in good health and mentally stable. She was transported to the hospital for evaluation.
December 6, 2004
Swansea Police Warn of Possible Scam
The Swansea Police Department
would like to warn the community of a possible scam. An elderly
Swansea Couple reported to police three males went to their
residence on Friday afternoon (December 3, 2004) claiming to be
putting in a water line in the street. To prevent potential
damage to the homes foundation they asked to check the basement
of the house. The victim reports they had ID badges but he was
unable to read the words on the badge. Once in the house the
white male checked out the basement and then offered to pay $100
cash for water that would be used. When the victim was unable to
make change the suspect told him he would return on Monday with
a cashiers check.
The suspects were operating a late model green pickup truck and
backed into the driveway. They were white males in their mid
30's or early 40's. One had thick glasses on and was described
as being 5'4". Anyone who may have information is asked to
contact Det. Marc Haslam at Swansea Police Department.
(508-674-8464)
Residents, particularly the elderly are warned to be aware of
such scams. DO NOT allow anyone into your home unless they show
proper credentials. Even if they show an ID card residents are
urged to contact the appropriate town Department if they feel
uncomfortable.
December 15, 2004
Officer Collides with Utility Pole During Chase
On Monday night at around 11:00 the East Providence Police initiated a pursuit of a stolen motor vehicle. East Providence lost sight of the vehicle on Rt 195 eastbound. A short time later Swansea Officer Joey Faria observed the vehicle on Rt. 195 eastbound and attempted to stop the vehicle. The vehicle refused to stop and after reaching exit 4 in Somerset a Massachusetts State Trooper took over the pursuit and Officer Faria took a secondary postion. The chase worked its way through several Fall River streets. At the intersection of Birch and Bay Street Officer Faria came upon a roadway blocked with jersey barriers. This area was dark and the barriers had no reflective warning. Faria swerved to avoid the barrier and struck a utility pole. He was transported to Charlton Memorial Hospital for a minor knee injury and released. The suspect was later arrested in Tiverton. He was identified as Lennie Teixeira of 159 Walnut St. Fall River, MA. He faces numerous motor vehicle charges.
December 18, 2004
Swansea Police Investigate Fatal Crash
Swansea Police are investigating a 2 car collision which claimed the life of a 20 year old Little Compton woman.
The accident occurred on 12/17/2004 at approx. 7:50 p.m. on Rt. 6 in front of the Building 19 parking lot.
The operator of the Toyota, Danielle M. Laferriere of 47 S. Shore Rd. Little Compton, RI was pronounced dead at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River after she was extricated from her vehicle by the Swansea Fire Dept. using the Jaws of Life.
Kenneth Arruda age 34, of 80 Rangeley St. Swansea who was operating the Dodge was placed under arrest at the scene for Operating Under The Influence of Alcohol. He was taken to Charlton Memorial Hospital and admitted for unspecified injuries. He is currently being held on $10,000 cash bail in the custody of the Swansea Police Dept. at the Hospital.
A passenger in the Toyota, Shelby Bernier of 439 Hortonville Rd. Swansea was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where she was admitted for unspecified injuries.
The accident remains under investigation by the Swansea Police Department and State Police assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office.
Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is asked to contact the Swansea Police Department at 508-674-8464.