SCAM ALERT
Warwick Police are warning city residents about a convincing phone scam by fraudsters posing as local police.
“Today we received several similar scam complaints,” WPD …
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SCAM ALERT
Warwick Police are warning city residents about a convincing phone scam by fraudsters posing as local police.
“Today we received several similar scam complaints,” WPD wrote on their Facebook page Tuesday. “The victims received a phone call from a person identifying themselves as an actual WPD officer and with their phone number ‘spoofed’ to show the police department's phone number on caller ID.”
Police say the callers tried to rip off several victims by attempting to convince them “that they owed money for a warrant or subpoena and to pay immediately or they will be arrested,” according to police.
The scam callers directed victims to “buy money cards or to wire the funds.”
Police are particularly concerned, because the scammers “do their homework on their victims” and knew personal details — like current employer and other information learned through social media and/or public records.
Warwick Police want residents to know they “will never call demanding repayment of fines in lieu of arrest and ask for payment over the phone.”
If you received one of these calls, and “are in doubt, feel free to contact” police their "real" phone number, 401-468-4200, or in-person at headquarters.
K-9 LOST
Warwick Police bid farewell to a retired four-legged officer.
“It is with a very heavy heart that the Warwick Police Department announces the passing of retired K9 Viking,” WPD announced March 8.
Warwick Police Officer Aaron L. Steere and K9 Viking served together as partners on the force for seven years, from March 2012 through Viking's retirement in September 2019.
“K9 Viking assisted numerous local, state, and federal agencies and was also deputized by DEA,” police said. “K9 Viking was a fan favorite and became famous when he appeared numerous times on LivePD. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Aaron, his wife Bethany, and their sons, Aidan and Brady. Viking, you will be missed by everyone here at the police department as well as the community. RIP K9 Viking.”
WARRANT ARREST
At 12:11 p.m., Feb. 19, Warwick Police Officer Nathaniel Gray was on patrol when he entered the parking lot of the Warwick Mall at 400 Bald Hill Road.
“It should be noted that I have made numerous arrests at this location, as there is a large volume of shopliftings and other criminal activity,” Gray wrote in the arrest report.
Gray spotted a black 2015 Toyota Camry parked near JC Penney, and occupied by a man.
Gray ran a check on the vehicle’s plates and found the registered owner, Francisco E. Pineda, 48, of 101 Charles Way, Apt. 2, Johnston. Gray discovered that Pineda “was wanted out of Third District Court for a technical violation for a prior charge of obtaining property under false pretenses.”
Pineda was identified as the driver. He was arrested and placed in the rear of Gray’s cruiser. He was transported to Warwick Police Headquarters, where he was later fingerprinted and photographed for booking. Pineda was later transported to the ACI.
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