WARWICK, RI — Warwick Water Infrastructure Program Manager Michael S. Dipetrillo, 48, of 56 Deerfield Drive, arrested Dec. 5 on felony domestic assault, domestic vandalism and drug possession charges, is on leave without pay pending a City investigation.
Liz Tufts, media coordinator for Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi, said Michael Dipetrillo was immediately placed on unpaid leave once the City was aware of the arrest, and that the city is investigating the charges. Dipetrillo’s Water Division salary is $92,805, she said, deferring further comment until the investigation is finished.
Warwick Police arrested Dipetrillo on the drug possession charge Dec. 5, and during that investigation, detectives uncovered information leading to the domestic violence charges, which occurred Nov. 19, said Warwick Police Chief Michael Lima.
At 9:31 p.m. that night, Warwick officers responded to a report from a woman saying her estranged husband, Dipetrillo, was attempting to enter the house. Dipetrillo disconnected the home’s ring camera and left before police arrived, according to the arrest report.
Officer Raymond Pendergast spoke with the woman, who said she and Dipetrillo were getting a divorce, and that while he didn’t live in the home, he often visited. She said that following a mediation meeting, he became upset, and after he sent some text messages, she bolted the garage and front doors, fearing his next visit. DiPetrillo arrived, and banged on each door, and she called 911, fearing for her safety.
DiPetrillo left in a blue 2008 Jeep Wrangler, and was later stopped and taken into custody by three officers. His Jeep was towed by Herb’s Towing, according to the report. During the stop, officers located a “large amount” of Adderall pills in his possession. DiPetrillo told officers he had just filled a prescription for the drug. Police found a bottle with 30 Adderall pills in it, but also found another 96.6 grams of suspected Adderall pills for which it was not immediately known whether he was legally able to possess, according to the report. Police also found $3,122 in cash in his possession.
Pendergast continued speaking with the woman, who appeared shaken and was crying. She composed herself and told the officer DiPetrillo had assaulted her numerous times. Her friend arrived, and described an assault Nov. 19, shortly after a court date and argument, inside the house. DiPetrillo threw a Yeti tumber at his wife from behind, striking her in the head, her friend told Pendergast. The attack caused her to collapse, briefly lose consciousness and caused bleeding, according to the account in the report.
DiPetrillo took his wife to Kent County Hospital, where she received 9 staples and two stitches to treat the injury. The women showed Pendergast text messages from Dipetrillo acknowledging the attack and saying he didn’t mean to hurt her. The woman said she has been assaulted by DiPetrillo for the last 20 years, and that she is terrified of him, according to the report.
Dipetrillo named in suits referencing violence, negligence
In 2024, Michael DiPetrillo was one of many DPW managers named in a recent sexual harassment lawsuit against the city alleging violent and sexually harassing behavior, ultimately settled for $600,000. The suit noted that Michael DiPetrillo has a history of violence and had had a violent outburst in the office. The suit also recounts an incident reported by the victim, Bree Boulais while she was walking to her car, and Michael DiPetrillo, threw an angle grinder at her, hitting the pavement a few feet ahead of her, in April 2022.
Michael DiPetrillo as also named in a suit against the City for negligence for a 2022 four-vehicle crash in which he was the only person to report losing control of his city vehicle.
DePetrillo was arraigned on the charges Dec. 11 in Third Division District Court, scheduled for a March 2, 2026 court screening on the charges, and released on $5,000 (@10% $500.00) bail with pretrial services and a domestic no-contact order as conditions of his release.
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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