December 4, 2006

SWANSEA CHIEF OF POLICE GEORGE ARRUDA ANNOUNCES A CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY TO BE HELD IN JANUARY 

The Swansea Police will be hosting its 6^th Citizen’s Police Academy beginning January 9^th 2007.  This 12- week program will expose citizens to all facets of the Swansea Police Department, including functions within the station, out in the field and in the courts. 

The Citizen’s Police Academy is set to begin on January 9^th 2007 and will end on March 27^th 2007.  The classes will be held Tuesday evening’s from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Fire Station # 4 on Rt. 6.  Pre-registration is required, since space is limited.  Applications can be picked up at the Swansea Police Station on Gardner’s Neck Road and must be returned no later than January 2^nd 2007.  The Academy is open to Swansea residents who are 18 years of age or older. 

Sergeant Clifford Sadler will oversee the academy and the following topics will be taught by members of the department who have expertise in that area: Community Policing, Elderly Abuse, Domestic Violence, Patrol Procedures, Traffic Enforcement, Operating Under the Influence, Accident Investigations, Criminal and Drug Investigations, Arson, Sexual Abuse, Internet Crimes, Weapons Demonstrations, a Tour of the Police Station and the Role of the Courts. Participants will also have the opportunity to ride along with a patrol officer during their tour of duty.

October 30, 2006

Senior beaten and robbed, 2 charged

On October 23, 2006 a 77 year old Swansea resident was beaten and robbed of his wallet while working at a local apple orchid.  The victim reported to police that a white male described as being well over 6’ tall approached him at the orchid.  After engaging in small talk the suspect struck the victim on the side of the head knocking him down to the ground causing him to lose consciousness.  The victim described the vehicle as being a full size gray four door vehicle.  Taken was the gentleman’s wallet containing a small amount of cash and numerous credit cards.

Police learned that a Home Depot credit card was used shortly after the attack at the Home Depot in Somerset.  Police reviewed the surveillance video and were able to determine that the vehicle was a gray Lincoln Town Car with a sun roof and decal on the back window.

After going to Home Depot the suspect went to a Gas/Convenience store in Fall River.  Police reviewed this video and recognized the same suspect in the Home Depot video.  They interviewed the clerk who remembered the suspect as having a distinctive tattoo on his neck.

Police alerted area departments and law enforcement agencies of the suspects description.  The next day Swansea Police were contacted by the Bristol County Sheriff’s Department and were told that they had booked in a male the previous day with the same identifying tattoo.  The suspect was identified as Daryl Dupars age 43 of 583 Plymouth Ave. Fall River, MA.  He had been arrested by the Fall River Police Department on domestic related charges and was now being held at the Bristol County House of Correction in Dartmouth.

Swansea Detective Marc Haslam and Ptlm. Peter Robidoux went to the House of Correction and spoke to Dupras regarding the robbing of the elderly gentlemen.  As a result of the interview Dupras is being charged with the unarmed robbery.

A second male, identified as Brendan R. Sullivan, age 35, of 29 Wood St. Somerset, MA was taken into custody in connection with the robbery.  He is believed to be the operator of the suspect vehicle.

The victim’s injuries were not life threatening and a full recovery is expected. 

Both suspects are being charged with unarmed robbery/person over 60 years old, assault and battery on a person over 60 years old and conspiracy to commit unarmed robbery.

The incident was investigated by Ptlm. Peter Robidoux and Det. Marc Haslam.

September 6, 2006

Operation Friend Finder nets 16 Arrests County Wide

After conducting a 2 month investigation members of the SouthCoast Anti-Crime Team (SCAT) assigned to the Bristol County Sheriffs Office made several arrests following a prostitution sting centered around the popular web site "Craigs List".  Undercover officers contacted females with listings on the site offering sex for a fee.  The departments besides Swansea Police involved in the operation included Somerset, Fairhaven, Taunton, Rehoboth, East Providence and the Bristol County Sheriff's Office. 

In Swansea Suspect Melissa Carrion arrived at the meet spot with her two children age 2 and 4.  They stayed in a vehicle with a male that she could not identify.  Rhode Island DCYF was notified of the incident. 

In Somerset a female, Sarabeth Sanford was arrested as well as the male that accompanied her, Anthony Catuto.  He was charged with sexual conduct for a fee, deriving suppoprt from earnings of prostitution and inducing a minor to become a prostitute.  During the booking procedure suspected child pornographic images were found in his property.

The operation began after some of the departments received anonymous complaints from males who had engaged the services of prostitutes on "craigslist".  After the female arrived two males would enter the room and rob the victim. 

The investigation is continuing and more arrests are anticipated.

1.  Carrion, Melissa C     Age: 21        

During the early morning hours of August 15, 2006 at 3:00 a.m. Officer Brian Cabral stopped a vehicle after observing the registration to be expired.  The vehicle was being operated by 18 year old Shantavia Ambrose of 27 Ninth St. Fall River.  Her passenger initially gave Off. Cabral a false name. 

Swansea investigators obtained a warrant for the arrest of Celeste M. Acciardo age 38 of Tiverton, RI.  The warrant charges Acciardo with 4 counts of Larceny over $250 from a disabled person over 60 years old, 4 counts of Larceny over $250, and 3 counts of Larceny of a credit card.  These charges carry a penalty of up to 10 years in a state prison.   

Members of the Southcoast Anti-Crime Team (SCAT) have made recent arrests in Operation Crossover.  The SCAT team is a collaborative of Police Departments throughout Bristol County under the direction of the Bristol County Sheriff's Department.  Over the last three months these departments have worked closely with narcotics officers from the East Providence, RI Police Department.  Operation Crossover  has targeted the flow of narcotics along the Rt. 195 corridor and surrounding areas.    On July 26 Officers from the Sheriff's Department, Swansea Police, Somerset Police, Seekonk Police and East Providence Police arrested a 37 year old male on Rt. 195 after he was found to be in possession of 250 bags of heroin.  He was charged with possession of a class A controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute class A and conspiracy to violate the drug laws.  A second occupant of the vehicle will also face the same charges.  Over $1500 in cash and a cell phone was also seized.  Their names are being withheld as the investigation continues.    

The flow of narcotics into and through these communities is a problem.  Most violent crimes and property crimes can be directly linked to drug use and abuse.  In Swansea a recent rash of breaks into homes, vehicles and construction sites is believed to be the direct result of the need of addicts to support their habit.  

Operation Crossover will continue and more arrests are anticipated.  

July 6, 2006

Police Investigate Homicide

Swansea Police and State Police assigned to the District Attorney's Office are investigating the death of John Oliveira, age 35.  Oliveira was found shot to death inside 2101 GAR Hwy. on Wednesday night.  All inquiries can be directed to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office.

May 9, 2006

Selectmen and Union Sign Contract

The Swansea Board of Selectmen and the Swansea Coalition of Police MassCop Local #220 signed a three year contract Tuesday night.  The agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2005 and will remain in effect until June 30, 2008. 

May 9, 2006

Officers Participate in the Aquidneck Island Police Parade on Sunday May 7, 2006

The Newly formed Swansea Police Department Honor Guard participated in the Aquidneck Island Police parade held in Newport this past Sunday.  The parade honors those officers who have been killed in the line of duty.  This years parade honored Providence Det. Sgt. James Allen who was killed on April 17, 2005, Swansea's Lt. Robert Cabral who was killed on November 5, 2005 and Dallas, Texas  Officer Brian Jackson a Middletown native who was killed on November 13, 2005.    

Pictured: Front row Deputy Chief Robert Furtado and Chief George Arruda, members of the Honor Guard in the second row are Ptl. Marc Soares, Ptl. Brian Cabral, Sgt. Gregory Ryan, Ptl. John Soares, Ptl. Joseph Martin, Ptl. Patrick Mooney and Ptl. Shane Mello.  Also taking part in the parade was Ptl. Joey Faria on the department's motorcycle and Ptl. John Souza and Jeffrey Fallon in a marked cruiser. 

April 12, 2006

To reduce aggressive driving and speeding, the The Swansea Police Department with funding from the Massachusetts Governor's Highway Safety Bureau will take part in a  statewide mobilization entitled Road Respect.  This initiative closely coordinates extra state and local traffic enforcement, paid and earned media, and community education.

If a serious incident occurs on the road, contact the nearest police agency by dialing 911, even on a cellular phone. You can also report it to the Registry of Motor Vehicles using a Driver Complaint Form.

Ten tips to reduce aggressive driving:
 

• Obey posted speed limits.   Allow extra travel time for traffic and bad weather.
• Always signal your intentions when turning or changing lanes.
• Come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs.
• Never run yellow lights.
• Let other drivers pass and merge as necessary.
• On multi-lane highways, use the left lane for passing only.
• Avoid distracted driving, especially if using a cell phone.
• Refrain from unnecessary use of your horn.
• Pay attention to the special needs of those who drive trucks and buses, ride motorcycles and bicycles, and pedestrians.
• Wear your safety belt. It’s your best defense against an aggressive or speeding driver.

March 14, 2006

Police Raid Swansea Mall Store

On 03/14/06, as a result of a three month investigation by Detective Marc Haslam and Ptlm. Patrick Mooney, the Swansea Police Department executed a search warrant at the Enzo Store located in the Swansea Mall.  This investigation was the result of an anonymous tip received by the police department via it’s web site, regarding counterfeit clothing being sold at the store. 

During the investigation it was learned that the store was selling brand name jeans such as 7 For All Mankind, True Religion and others, well below the retail prices.  These jeans resale for around $300 a pair and Enzo was selling them for around $60.   

Police made several controlled buys of clothing which were later verified as counterfeit from the manufactures.  Seized from the store were 185 items of clothing with a street value of nearly $10,000.00.  The brands included Seven For All Mankind, Rock & Republic, Phat Farm, Baby Phat, Polo Ralph Lauren, Diesel and True Religion Jeans.   

The owner of the store, Steven Kang age 40 of 1 Rosewood Dr. Lincoln, RI was arrested and charged with Distribution of a counterfeit mark in access of $1000.  This charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 5 years in state prison. 

Det. Haslam and Ptlm. Mooney worked in conjuction with Powers & Associates, a company that investigates trademark counterfeiting.  Also assisting in the investigation were Ptlm. John Donley and Ptlm. Jamie Owens.  

February 27, 2006

Suspect Arrested after House Breaks.

On Thursday afternoon February 23, 2006 at approximately 1:49 p.m. the Swansea Police Department received an alarm notification for a home located on Maple Ave.  When police arrived they found a side door panel had been kicked in.  The alarm was subsequently activated and the suspect fled.  A neighbor witnessed the suspect run to his parked vehicle with something white in his hand.  The vehicle was described as a white Cadillac.

Swansea officers broadcasted the vehicle and suspect description to area police departments.  While checking the area Officer Gary White discovered the broken door panels that the suspect had apparently throw away in the Swansea Mall parking lot. 

Shortly after the broadcast, Somerset Police Office Scott Comfrey observed a white Cadillac in the area of Burger King on Rt. 6 in Somerset.  The suspect was throwing items in the trash can.  The vehicle and suspect matched the description of the suspect.  He stopped the car on Rt. 6.

Found in the car were suspected stolen items including jewelry, bank books, cash, and video games and the suspect, identified as Christopher Calvanno age 35 was arrested for receiving stolen property.  The items in the car belonged to a resident on School St. in Swansea.  It was now learned that this house was also broken into. 

After Det. Sgt. Jay Borges of Somerset Police and Det. Marc Haslam of Swansea Police interrogated the suspect he was taken into custody by Swansea Police and charged with the two housebreaks that occurred in Swansea.

In processing both crime scenes fingerprints evidence was obtained as well as shoe impressions believed to match the suspect’s foot wear.   

Christopher Calvano listing an address of 12 Warren St. Fall River, MA, was charged with 2 counts of breaking and entering intent to commit a felony, one count of larceny over $250, and one count of malicious destruction of property.  He was arraigned in Fall River District Court.   

Calvano had just been released from MCI Concord after serving a sentence for similar crimes.  

Ptlm. Richard Roussel was the arresting officer.

February 10, 2006

Students Arrested Case High School

On February 10, 2006 at approx 8:10 a.m. the Swansea Police Department with the assistance of K-9 Units from the Bristol County Sheriff's Department, the Barnstable County Sheriff's Department and the Massachusetts Department of Corrections, conducted a drug search at the Joseph Case High School.

As a result of the search; 4 students 1 juvenile female, 2 adult females and 1 juvenile male were arrested on a variety of charges including, possession of a class "D" controlled substance, possession of a class "D" controlled substance with intent to distribute in a school zone and possession of a dangerous weapon on school property.

In addition to the arrests a fifth juvenile will be facing disciplinary action by the school after he admitted to swallowing a small amount of marijuana during the search.

Drug paraphernalia, including pipes and a scale along with a small amount of marijuana, a knife and cell phone were seized from students involved.

The operation was the result of an investigation conducted by School Resource Officer Shane Mello, Det. Marc Haslam and Off. Joseph Martin using intelligence obtained from the computer web site myspace.com, as well as information developed by the administration and staff of Joseph Case High School.  

Adults arrested and charged with possession of a class D controlled substance (marijuana) were:

1.  Katherine Walmsley, age 17 of 97 Cedar Cove Ln. Swansea        

 2.  Jillian Vieweg age 17 of 180 Smokerise Circle Swansea.  

January 3, 2006

First Arrest of 2006 for Drunk Driving

Less than 2 1/2 hours into the new year police arrested a Swansea resident for operating under the influence of alcohol.  At approximately 2:37 a.m. on January 1, 2005 Officer John Souza stopped a motor vehicle after the operator allegedly crossed the center line and failed to stop at a red light on Rt. 6 at Gardners Neck Rd.  The operator, identified as 46 year old Christopher Moniz of 194 Hailes Hill Rd. Swansea, MA was subsequently arrested and charged with operating under the influence of liquor, red light violation, negligent operation, marked lanes violation and operating with a suspended license. 

January 3, 2006

New Officers Sworn in

Patrolman John Donley and Patrolman Jaime Owens are sworn in by Town Clerk Sue Taveira at the Selectmen's meeting held on Tuesday night.

January 3, 2006

Motor Vehicle Pursuit Ends in Arrest

On January 1, 2006 at approximately 7:59 p.m. the police department received a call reporting an erratic operator on Rt. 6.  Officer Marc Soares located  the suspect vehicle on Rt. 6 and signaled for it to stop.  After refusing to stop the suspect fled east on Rt. 6 into Somerset.  A subsequent pursuit of the vehicle ensued leading officers into Fall River and back onto Rt. 195 westbound.  The pursuit was then picked up by Rhode Island authorities.  The suspect was finaly taken into custody by Atteleboro Police after taking exit #3 off of Rt. 195 in their city.  Arrested was 49 year old Peter Rudis of 825 Smith St. Providence, Rhode Island.  He faces numerous motor vehicle charges.