The Police Log is a digest of reports filed by the Warwick Police Department.

MARIJUANA

On Nov. 3 at 1:20 p.m., Officer Aaron Kay was working a speed detail when dispatch advised there was a white SUV vehicle driving up on the grass hill at Wendy’s, 650 Bald Hill Road. As he was in the area, Kay responded to Wendy’s, where he observed a white Jeep Grand Cherokee located on the grass hill and rock area on the south side of the parking lot closest to East Avenue.

Upon activating his lights and siren, Kay said the vehicle backed down the rocks and he made contact with the operator, who was identified as Cody J. Ottoviano, 20, of 22 Tall Timber Trail, Apt. 2,  North Smithfield. Ottoviano said he was having problems with his Jeep and wanted to check it out, which is why he drove up on the grass and rocks. Kay advised him not to operate the vehicle in that manner on private property and Ottoviano apologized. 

While speaking with him, Kay said he detected the odor of fresh marijuana emanating from within the vehicle and when he brought it to Ottoviano’s attention, he admitted he had a small bag of weed on him and produced a clear Ziploc baggie with a leafy green substance, which later field tested positive for marijuana and was entered into evidence. After determining that neither Ottoviano or his passenger had a medical marijuana card, Kay issued a citation to Ottoviano for possession of marijuana under an ounce, advised him to appear on the assigned court date, and dispersed him from the area. 

SMASHED WINDSHIELDS 

On Nov. 4, Officer Joshua Myer was dispatched to Welfare Avenue for a malicious damage to a vehicle. Upon arrival, he spoke to the resident at the location, who said when he went to his vehicle in the morning; he noticed the rear windshield had been smashed. He said the doors were still locked and it appeared nothing was taken. The man said he did not remember hearing any loud or suspicious noises the previous night.

Myer inspected the damage and did not see any objects in the car that could have caused the damage. Neither the man nor his wife could think of any suspects and said they do not have any problems with their neighbors, co-workers, or anyone else.

Shortly after this call, Myer said he was dispatched to a location on Post Road for another report of a smashed rear windshield. The owner of that vehicle did not wish to file a complaint. Myer said the doors on that vehicle were also locked and nothing was taken. He could not locate any objects that could have caused the damage. 

Myer said there was no camera footage of either incident. The case will be forwarded to detectives for follow-up. No suspects. 

CRACKED WINDOW 

On Nov. 5 at 8:23 p.m., Officer Jason Brodeur was dispatched to the West Shore Terrace Apartments, 3070 West Shore Road, for the report of a malicious damage. A woman in one of the apartments there said she was watching TV around 6:30 p.m. when she heard a thud and the glass in her window cracked. She looked outside but did not see anyone in the courtyard. 

Brodeur said he conducted a search of the area around the window and unable to locate an item that could have caused the damage. He said there is a screen covering the full window, but the top section of the window was cracked. There was no damage to the screen. The woman provided a written statement that was submitted to the Records Division. No suspects. 

SHOPLIFTING

On Nov. 8 at 3 p.m., Officer Timothy Kenyon was dispatched to Wal-Mart, 840 Post Road, for the report of a shoplifting. Dispatched advised that Wal-Mart Asset Protection employees had one adult male in custody.

Upon arrival, Kenyon met with an asset protection employee, who said he observed a white male, later identified as Michael T. Castaldi, 30, of 23 Logan Street, Warwick, wearing a jean jacket, tan pants and a Boston Bruins hat behaving suspiciously in the Electronics Department. Castaldi was then observed selecting a can of Red Bull and a single Jack Link’s Beef Stick, which he consumed while walking around the store. Castaldi exited the store, passing all points of purchase and making no attempt to pay for the items. He was stopped outside by Asset Protection employees and escorted back into the store, where it was discovered he also stole a Rock Candy brand Playstation 3 controller. The total value of all three items was $30.10. 

Castaldi was taken into custody and transported to Warwick Police headquarters, where he was fingerprinted and photographed. He was charged with one count of Shoplifting-Misdemeanor and issued a Third District Court Summons with a mandatory court date. Castaldi was later released.

On Nov. 4 at 1:16 p.m., Officer Scott Chanthaphouvong was dispatched to JC Penney, 400 Bald Hill Road, in reference to a shoplifting complaint. Upon arrival, Chanthaphouvong met with a loss prevention associate, who said he observed a male in the Home Department, later identified as Giovanni A. Arroyo, 35, of 978 Tiogue Avenue, Apt. 14, Coventry, select a home surveyor lamp and exit the store, passing all points of sale and making no attempt to pay for the boxed lamp in his possession. Arroyo was stopped outside by loss prevention and escorted back into the store without incident. Arroyo admitted to the theft and the lamp, with a retail value of $350, was recovered. 

Chanthaphouvong said he spoke to Arroyo, who was apologetic and admitted to the shoplifting. Based on the complaint and admission of guilt, Arroyo was transported to Warwick Police headquarters, where he was processed and later remanded to District Court for arraignment.