Editor’s note: Thank you to Warwickpost.com subscribers who provide the resources needed to continue covering important news in the community. Please subscribe for $15/year and support our work here.
COVENTRY, RI — The RI State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force made a Helen Avenue arrest of a man wanted for child molestation Mach 7, drawing locals’ attention.
Helen Avenue residents reported a heavy police presence on Facebook that day, but were in the dark about what the commotion concerned.
“Any know why the SWAT team was on Helen Ave just a few minutes ago?” Kendra Ashley Savage asked on the Coventry, RI; Biggest Town in The Smallest State page, at about 12:30 p.m. March 7.
“They meant business! Guns drawn on every window! All unmarked cars, one Coventry police vehicle! Crazy!” “Amy Mullen replied.
The arrest was conducted by the task force, who were executing a warrant for a Coventry man wanted by Barrington Police on a warrant for child molestation, according to State Police.
An initial check with Coventry Police revealed the arrest was a State Police operation, but Coventry Police were not able to provide any further details.
A check with RI State Police Captain Jeffrey L’heureux, District B Commander, showed only one State Police arrest in the area that day at that time, a Violent Fugitive Task Force warrant arrest on behalf of the Barrington Police department, whose investigation is detailed by Eastbayri.com.
L’heureux said the police presence reported by residents on Facebook was likely related to that arrest. The arrest could have involved members of the CPD, since the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force is comprised of members from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Rhode Island State Police (RISP), and the Warwick, Cranston, Coventry, East Providence, Middletown, Pawtucket, Portsmouth and Providence Police Departments.
A copy of the report of the Task Force arrest in Coventry March 7 at about 12:15 p.m. shows the officers were executing a Barrington Police arrest warrant for Richard Antonio, 27, of Coventry, for alleged first-degree child molestation.
According to the report, police knocked loudly on the side door of the home and clearly announced themselves as “police,” but the person inside refused to open the door after repeated attempts to get him to come out. Members of the task force decided to breach the door to the house, found Antonio inside and arrested him, according to the report.
“Antonio was turned over directly to the officers from the Barrington Police Department on scene for processing and further handling of the case,” according to the report.
Barrington Police confirmed the arrest did occur at 26 Helen Ave., Antonio’s home.
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 [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
This is a test
