Woonsocket Police Arrest 2 in Privilege Street Break-In

Two men face breaking and entering charges after Woonsocket Police say they broke into an apartment on Privilege Street and tried to steal copper pipes from it.

Stephen Bunnell, 30, and Kenneth LeBlanc, 24, are suspected in the Aug. 1 break-in at 542 Privilege St., after officers went to the complex in response to a nearby resident's call.

Patrol Ofc. Mark Castiglione reported finding LeBlanc leaving a vacant apartment unit and carrying a black backpack.

Castiglione wrote in his report that LeBlanc tried to walk away from the apartment, even though officers had arrived in cruisers with lights flashing and sirens blaring.

Castiglione termed LeBlanc's behavior "suspicious, as the reasonable person's attention would be drawn to the police presence."

LeBlanc was also "sweating profusely," Castiglione reported, which the officer also found suspicious since LeBlanc had apparently not been running, and the day's weather was "mild."

When asked what he was doing at the apartment, LeBlanc "was unable to provide us with a logical answer," Castiglione wrote.

A check of LeBlanc's backpack found a flashlight, gloves, and tools used to cut copper pipes, according to Castiglione. Inside the basement, Castiglione noted that he found "a substantial amount of copper" that had been cut down and apparently prepared for removal.

Officers later arrested Bunnell based on information that LeBlanc provided to police.

LeBlanc is due in Sixth District Court for arraignment on Aug. 15. Bunnell is scheduled for a felony hearing on Oct. 8.