Police Log: Arrest made after hoax calls

Officers arrested a local man Monday afternoon while investigating a recent rash calls to the police station reporting non-existent crimes and emergencies. Michael Rigney, 27, of 279 Main St., faces a charge of providing false information to a 911 operator.

The hoax calls, which took place last month, sent officers to several parts of town to stop supposed crimes in progress or to help people in distress. In one case, officers went to a South Main Street store after a caller said he saw someone toss a handgun into a Dumpster. The officers found no gun in the area and no one waiting at the scene. Minutes later the same person called the station dispatcher again, and said he'd meet the officers in the parking lot at Olly's Pizza. Police went to the lot, but the person never arrived.

Throughout the month, dispatchers also received phony calls reporting teens stealing from cars, elderly people having chest pains and neighborhood disturbances. In several cases, unrelated calls were made from the same phone number. Other times, the caller's number was blocked. Each time, the caller gave a different false name.

Police arrested Rigney after an officer approached him and asked if he knew anything about the calls, according to a police spokesperson. Rigney, who is known to Woonsocket police from past incidents, then allegedly admitted making some of the calls.

Charge against officer dismissed

A drunk driving charge against a Woonsocket police officer has been dismissed, but police are saying little about the episode.

"The charge against Officer Steven Fairley for driving under the influence of alcohol was dismissed after a District Court proceeding," reads a brief press release from the Woonsocket Police Department. "There will be no further comments at this time since an internal investigation has been initiated."   

Fairley, 31, was arrested by officers from his own department on Feb. 25, and arraigned in Providence District Court. He reportedly struck another vehicle while traveling on Cumberland Street. He was off duty at the time.

After his arrest, Fairley was suspended with pay. Police did not say if he has been reinstated.

Other arrests

David Michael Snoek, 31, of 246 Mendon Road, faces a charge of disorderly conduct. Police arrested him Friday at 5:13 a.m. at his home after responding to reports of a domestic disturbance.

Police arrested Christopher Jabour Bethoney, 27, of 16 Brushwood Hill Road, Franklin, on a warrant. The arrest occurred Friday at 5:20 a.m. on Cumberland Road.

Police arrested Samuel Ruiz, 42, of 45 Bennett St., on a warrant. The arrest occurred Friday at 6:12 a.m.

Angel Manuel Vargas, Jr., 35, of 563 Rathbun St., faces a charge of assault and battery. Police arrested him Friday at 6:53 a.m. at his home after responding to reports of a domestic disturbance.

Kyla Caldwell, 25, of 134 Welles St., faces a charge of driving with a suspended license. Police arrested her Friday at 11:56 a.m. on Cumberland Street.

Police arrested April Meneses, 35, of 267 Bernon St., on a warrant. The arrest occurred Friday at 1:27 p.m.  on Court Street.

Mark J. O'Brien, 25, of 468 High St., Cumberland, faces a charge of driving with a suspended license. Police arrested him Friday at 2:30 p.m. on Rathbun Street.

Anthony Melendez, 26, of 104 Sayles St., faces charges of assault and battery and violation of a restraining order. Police arrested him on Friday at 7:22 p.m. after responding to reports of a domestic disturbance on Memorial Drive. They also had a warrant for his arrest.