Police Log: A Fashion Faux Pas

A woman who left home dressed in pink pajamas may have realized her fashion faux pas, because she allegedly changed her clothes inside a Main Street convenience store.

The switch, however, did not help her elude police, who were searching for her in connection with an alleged assault in the neighborhood. Crissy Lee Griffin, 33, of 290 Rathbun St., faces a charge of obstructing an officer in performance of his duty and two counts of assault and battery.

Around 7:25 p.m. Sunday, officers responded to reports of an altercation at The Art Room Tattoo at 32 Main St. The suspect was described as a woman in a black hooded sweatshirt and pink pajama pants. A witness pointed across the street to Liberty Market, and said she'd gone inside.

The officers found three women inside, but none wearing pink and black. When the officers questioned the women, they said knew nothing about a fight. They then left the store.

At that point, a clerk told police one of the women had removed a black sweatshirt, revealing she also wore a white T-shirt, and pulled on a pair of jeans, covering up her pink pajamas. An officer then left the store and caught up with the women on the sidewalk. After a few minutes of questioning, he determined that one of them — Griffin — had been wearing black and pink. He took Griffin back to the tattoo parlor, where the other officer was waiting with the alleged victim. She reportedy identified Griffin as her assailant, as did an employee.

The officers first took Griffin to the station. When they found there were also warrants for her arrest, they decided to take her to the Adult Correctional Institutes in Cranston. Griffin, who rode in the back seat, allegedly became upset during the trip and began yelling at the officer driving. When they got to the ACI, she spit on his patrol jacket, resulting in a second assault charge.

Bicycle theft
 
Police arrested a local man Sunday after he allegedly stole a bicycle at knifepoint and tried to use it to flee. Richard Lasanta II, 43, of 92 Blackstone St., faces a charge of first degree robbery.

Police were dispatched to Blackstone Street at 7:23 p.m. Sunday, after someone dialed 911 to report a theft. Officers found a 19-year-old man waiting near the Salvation Army Store. He told them he'd been peddling on the street when a man stopped him, pulled a knife, and demanded his red Fuji bicycle.

About the same time, other officers stopped Lasanta as he peddled past Terry's Auto on a red bike. During a search, they allegedly found a folding knife.

The teen told police he'd been peddling past Harvest Community Church when Lasanta called out to him. When he stopped, Lasanta allegedly approached and said, "You're riding my bike." The teen said he'd bought the bike from a friend for $10 six months earlier. Lasanta reportedly replied by taking a knife from his pocket.

At that point, two men who knew the teen tried to intervene, but Lasanta allegedly threatened them with his knife. He then climbed on the bike and peddled away.

At the police station, Lasanta insisted the bicycle was his. He said it was stolen from his home several weeks earlier, and that he was taking it back. When police asked if he had reported the bike stolen, he reportedly replied that he "is not a snitch."

Claim your stolen goods

After seizing a cache of items allegedly stolen from parked cars, Woonsocket police are now asking those who were victims to come to the station to claim their belongings.

George Knight, 18, of 419 Second Ave., Craig-Anthony Neely-Mishkind, 18, of 519 Second Ave., and a 17-year-old girl whose name was not released all face charges of possession of stolen property. Police arrested the trio on March 18. As a result of the investigation, police seized electronic devices, jewelry, clothing and other items from the suspects. They believe the items were taken from unlocked automobiles in the northern Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts area during the evening hours of March 3 and March 17.

The department has released the following statement: "In an attempt to continue the investigation and return the items to the rightful owners, victims of recent thefts from automobiles can contact Detective Ronald Labreche at 401-762-1793. Items will only be returned provided there is a report on file from the jurisdiction where the items were stolen. Since there is a probability that further charges may be levied against the individuals, we are unable to release pictures."

Other arrests

Police arrested John Allen Singleton, 44, of 14 Washington St., on a warrant. The arrest occurred Sunday at 9:37 p.m. on Washington Street.

Jose Villegas, 20, of 171 Robinson St., faces a charge of violating a restraining order. Police arrested him Monday at 3:43 a.m. on Robibinson Street.

Carter Thomas, 34, of 207 Rathbun St., faces a charge of driving with a suspended license. Police arrested him Monday at 10:49 a.m. on Cumberland Hill Road.

Police arrested Christopher Ralph Ballou, of 154 Robinson St., on a warrant. The arrest occurred Monday at 12:35 p.m. on Robinson Street.

Timothy Joseph Berard, 37, of 28 Wood Ave., faces a charge of driving with a suspended license. Police arrested him Monday at 5:18 p.m. on Privilege Street.

Bradley Ramos, 26, of 494 Grove St., faces a charge of driving with a suspended license. Police arrested Monday at 7:23 p.m. on South Main Street.

Jessica Ann Ryan, 28, of 38 Broad St., faces charges of possession of marijuana and neglect of a child. Police arrested her Tuesday at 9:57 a.m. near Manville Road.

Paul M. Vadeboncoeur, 46, of 315 Adams St., faces a charge of driving with a suspended license. Police arrested him Tuesday at 12:41 p.m.

Angel Cruz, 32, of 28 Church St., faces charges of disorderly conduct and felony assault. Police arrested him Tuesday at 2:38 p.m. on Sayles Street.

Joel Corales, 24, of 31 Chester St., faces a charge of disorderly conduct. Police arrested Tuesday at 4:13 p.m. after responding to reports of a domestic disturbance at his home.

Jarod Adam Wilson, 26, of 113 Center St., faces a charge of violating a restraining order. Police arrested him Wednesday at 3:11 a.m. on Main Street.