WARWICK, R.I. — Warwick Police Sgt. Randy Francis was called to Gorton Jr. High June 6 at 6:51 a.m. for a report of an unresponsive man in an idling red 2009 Toyota Corola, ultimately arresting the man for possession of a stolen car.
Francis arrived and spotted the Corolla parked in the school’s exiting driveway to Draper Avenue. In the drivers seat was an 18-year-old later identified as Jacob Smith of 20 East Washington St., North Attleboro, MA, according to the officer’s report.
Francis reported that Smith appeared dazed and the vehicle had a faint smell of burnt marijuana. Warwick Fire Department personnel had arrived before Francis. The man gave the firemen contradicting accounts of how he’d wound up in the school driveway, and also gave the firefighters a different name.
Francis overheard Smith mention having recently been released from prison. The officer interrupted the conversation to ask what he’d been in prison for. Smith replied it had been for stealing cars.
Shortly after, a check of the Corolla revealed it was stolen. Smith said the car belonged to a friend, but he could not name who that friend was. Francis later discovered the real owner of the car, and learned that it had been reported stolen.
The officer arrested Smith, during which the man told him, “I don’t want to go to jail again.”
At Warwick Police headquarters, 99 Veterans Memorial Drive, Francis charged Smith with possession of a stolen car, a felony.
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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