PORTSMOUTH — A 52-year-old Saunderstown man was arrested Monday after an investigation revealed he had inappropriately touched two 10-year-old children at a polo match at Glen Farm in July, police said.

Brian Smith, of 210 Pheasant Run, Saunderstown, was charged with one count of second-degree child molestation and one count of simple assault, according to a statement released by police today.

On July 19, Portsmouth police responded to the Gardner Seveney Complex on East Main Road for a report that the 10-year-olds had been touched inappropriately while attending the polo event. Police said a Bryant University alumni polo match was being played at the Newport International Polo grounds at the time.

“Upon investigation by officers on scene it was determined that a male approached the children and entered into a conversation with them during the event. While conversing with the children the male touched the children to include underneath one child’s skirt,” stated the press release.

An investigation by the Portsmouth Police Detective Division led to the identification of Mr. Smith and a warrant was secured for his arrest. Mr. Smith was apprehended in Lynnfield, Mass. and held as a fugitive of justice based on the charges.

On Monday, Sept. 8, he was released on $10,000 cash bail from Peabody (Mass.) District Court, at which time he turned himself into Second District Court in Newport to be arraigned on the charges. Mr. Smith posted $30,000 suety bail and was released, according to police.

PORTSMOUTH — Here are some highlights from the Portsmouth police log from over the past week.

Tuesday, Sept. 9

Jenna G. Vargas, 22, 9 Harbor Village Drive, Middletown, was charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to submit to a chemical test just before midnight. Her vehicle was stopped for speeding on West Main Road, just south of Raytheon, according to police.

Wednesday, Sept. 10

David C. Nelson, 48, of 49 Garfield St., Newport, was charged with resisting arrest and driving after his license had been suspended or revoked. Police pulled Mr. Nelson’s car over for speeding on West Main Road near Russo Road shortly after 9 a.m. He became confrontational when police attempted to place him in handcuffs, police said.

Thursday, Sept. 11

Gregory W. Albone, 42, of 553 Bellevue Ave., Apt. 8, Newport, was charged with driving while intoxicated (second offense) and refusal to submit to a chemical test. Police made the arrest at about 2:30 p.m. after responding to West Main Road at the entrance to Raytheon, where Mr. Albone’s car was stopped. Police said the vehicle had minor front-end damage as it apparently read-ended another car earlier.

Jonathan T. McClymonds, 19, of 9A Chestnut Hill Road, Middletown, was charged with violating a no-contact order at about 6:50 p.m. The arrest was made after police responded to the area of East Main Road and Oliphant Lane in Middletown to assist police in that town with a domestic disturbance. Police said Mr. McClymonds had been involved in an argument with his girlfriend, and there was an active no-contact order between them.

Friday, Sept. 12

David A. Ferreira, 49, of 56 Wood Ave., Tiverton, was charged with driving with intoxicated and refusal to submit to a chemical test at about 5:30 p.m. Mr. Ferreira car was stopped on Route 24 northbound near Boyd’s Lane because it was being operated erratically, police said.

Aquidneck Construction reported that its construction vehicles were vandalized on a job at 226 West Shore Road. Police said a window of an excavator had been broken, and three mirrors damaged. There was also damage reported to a track loader, a tractor and a bulldozer.

Sunday, Sept. 14

Joshua T. Gilchrest, 21, of 34 Selina Lane, was charged with disorderly conduct (making loud/disturbing noise) at about 2:40 a.m. Patrol Officer James Francis was undertaking a compliance check at the Island Tap bar shortly after 1 a.m.  when he observed Mr. Gilchrest outside the bar and involved in a loud discussion with another man, police said. After the other man greeted the officer by name, Mr. Gilchrest accused the officer of lying about his first name (he insisted it was Jake, according to police). Mr. Gilchrest started yelling obscenities while walking in the middle of Park Avenue and then ran from the scene, police said. With the help of other officers, he was apprehended in front of the Beach House Tavern, police said.

Matthew R. Hunt, 27, of 128 Fischer Circle, was charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to submit to a chemical test shortly before  6 a.m. Police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Old Mill Lane. When they arrived, they found a vehicle running with its high beam lights on and Mr. Hunt sleeping in the driver’s seat, according to police.

Manuel A. Gonzalez, 30, of 57 Norseman Drive, was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving after his license had been suspended or revoked, and refusal to submit to a chemical test. Police responded to Route 24 southbound at the Anthony Road exit at about 6:40 p.m. for a report of a damaged vehicle. Mr. Gonzalez, the driver, said he had been cut off by another car earlier on Route 24, which forced his vehicle to collide with a jersey barrier and guardrail.

Monday, Sept. 15

Nicole Vaudry, 30, of 1607 Braley Road, Apt. 80, New Bedford, was charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to submit to a chemical test. Her car was pulled over shortly before 1 a.m. on Route 24 northbound near Sprague Street because it was speeding and operating erratically, police said.

Christopher D. Eberhard, 30, of 89 Gormley Ave., was arrested on a bench warrant issued by Second District Court. An officer with knowledge of the warrant made the arrest at about 6:15 p.m. after observing Mr. Eberhard sitting in his backyard, police said.

Karllatta M. L. Jefferson, 31, of 934 Geers Ave., Columbus Ohio, was charged with driving without, or on, an expired license. Police made the arrest at 2:35 p.m. after responding to a report of solicitors in the area of Indian Avenue.

Maurice D. Spencer, 30, of Detroit, Mich., was charged with soliciting without a permit at about 3:25 p.m. Police said Mr. Spencer was going door to door on Fischer Circle, asking for money. According to police, one woman said Mr. Spencer would not leave her house until she threatened to call police.

PORTSMOUTH — A local man has been indicted n charges that he molested a child 14 years of age or younger earlier this year.

The Newport County Grand Jury reported out an indictment Sept. 12 charging John E. Tingstad, 26, of 20 Attleboro Ave., Portsmouth, with two counts of first-degree child molestation.

According to Portsmouth police, at 11:10 p.m. on March 29, police observed Mr. Tingstad and a female in a vehicle parked on the grassy area of the Common Fence Point playground. Police investigated and observed Mr. Tingstad and a Fall River female inside, police said, adding that girl identified herself as being 13 years old.

After obtaining a warrant, police arrested Mr. Tingstad at his home on April 2. An investigation was conducted by members of the detective division, which revealed that Mr. Tingstad had had sexual intercourse with the girl, police said.

The case was turned over to the R.I. Attorney General’s Office.

Mr. Tingstad is scheduled to be arraigned in Newport County Superior Court on Oct. 16, 2014.

PORTSMOUTH — The body of a 73-year-old Tiverton woman was recovered off the east side of Prudence Island Sunday morning after she had been reported missing from a boat moored at Potter’s Cove.

The deceased woman was identified Monday morning as Barbara E. Mills of Tiverton, according to Gail Mastrati, spokeswoman for the R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM).

According to Deputy Fire Chief Michael O’Brien, at 8:11 a.m. Sunday the fire department was notified by Portsmouth police that the woman was missing from a 42-foot vessel out of Bristol that was moored in the mouth of the cove, located on the east side of Prudence.

Besides the local police and fire departments on both Portsmouth proper and Prudence, other units responding to the scene included fire departments from Bristol, Warren, Cranston and Warwick, as well as DEM and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The incident was managed from the Portsmouth Emergency Operations Center under operations commander Capt. Steven Lynch.

The victim was located along the shore of Potter Cove by a civilian vessel assisting in the search, according to Deputy O’Brien. The civilian vessel hailed rescuers who recovered the body of the missing woman.

DEM is investigating the incident.

PORTSMOUTH — Here are some highlights from the Portsmouth police log from over the past week.

Tuesday, Sept. 16

Vanessa D. Fonseca, 27, of 7 Pascale Drive, Lincoln, was arrested just before midnight after her car was stopped on West Main Road because one of its brake lights was not working. A records check revealed there was an active warrant for Ms. Fonseca’s arrest out of Pawtucket on a larceny charge, police said.

Wednesday, Sept. 17

Phillip Paz, 30, of 3408 Ridge St., Fall River, was arrested at 6:20 a.m. on a bench warrant issued from Second District Court. Police made the arrest after stopping Mr. Paz’s car for speeding on East Main Road near Beaupre Avenue.

Ryan R. Deblois, 33, of 109 Cottage Ave., was charged with disorderly conduct after police responded to the area of Morgan and Liberty streets around 4 p.m. after getting a complaint about an unruly man. Police said they observed Mr. Deblois stumbling in the middle of the roadway and he had alcohol on his breath. Police said Mr. Deblois was bleeding from his forehead due to an earlier fall in the roadway.

William B. Nimmo, 63, of 26 Aberdeen Road, Riverside, was charged with driving while intoxicated shortly before 5 p.m. His car was pulled over on Route 24 near the Boyd’s Lane exit because it had swerved over the lane divider several times, police said.

Derek M. Justice, 36, of 65 Lee Ave., Portsmouth, was charged with domestic assault after police responded to his home around 9:20 p.m. for a report of a disturbance. Police said Mr. Justice had struck a woman’s face with his fist, causing her to fall and hit her head on a door.

Interested in reading more police news? Check out this story out of Warren.

Thursday, Sept. 18

Sohail Elgamdi, 29, of 3 Stuart St., Warren, was arrested on a bench warrant issued from Second District Court for failure to appear for an arraignment. Police made the arrest after Mr. Elgamdi came to headquarters to get his registration plates back after having been arrested for driving on a suspended license. A records check revealed the active warrant, police said.

Saturday, Sept. 20

William L. Freeman, 47 Sprague St., Apt. 2, was charged at about noon with violating a no-contact order, his third offense. A woman told police that Mr. Freeman had come to her residence several times over the past few weeks, despite an active no-contact order between the two.

Rachel A. Johnson, 45, of 26 Scotty Drive, was arrested shortly after noontime at her home on six bench warrants — five from Superior Court and one from Second District Court, police said.

Sunday, Sept. 21

Richard M. Seale, 33, of 2721 East Main Road, was charged with domestic assault shortly before midnight. Police said Mr. Seale had pulled his girlfriend out of a car outside his home.

Monday, Sept. 22

Kamilah T. Matthews, 326 Plain St., Apt. 2, Providence was charged with violating a no-contact order. Police made the arrest after stopping a car in which Ms. Matthews was a passenger for speeding on West Main Road around 4:30 p.m. A records check that there was an active no-contact order between Ms. Matthews and the drive, police said.

PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth was on edge the day of Sept. 25, 1989, after a truck carrying 2,400 gallons of propane gas wedged itself under the railroad overpass off Anthony Road.

Firefighters blew over 300,000 gallons of water on the truck, from which the highly explosive gas leaked into the air.

Route 24 and the Sakonnet River Bridge made for a surreal site after the accident in 1989. Traffic was blocked for over six hours.

If there had been an explosion, said then-Fire Chief Peter Wilkey, many homes in Common Fence Point as well as the Montaup Country Club would have been devastated, as well as a major nearby electrical feed to the City of Newport.

“I was frightened, very much on edge,” he said. “I haven’t been that frightened in a long time.”

After all the gas had seeped from the truck, its tires were punctured so it could be pulled safely from under the bridge.

Chief Wilkey and Police Chief Madison Bailey Jr. both blamed some members of the media for being obstacles to them getting the crisis under control. In fact, a news helicopter crew nearly blew a good chunk of the town to kingdom come when it launched a flare over the site to check wind conditions.

“That’s negligence,” said the police chief, adding that he intended on filing a complaint against the operator with the Federal Aviation Administration.

PORTSMOUTH — Here are some highlights from the Portsmouth police log from over the past week.

Wednesday, Sept. 24 

Emily M. Billett, 22, of 322 Riverside St., was arrested at 1:50 a.m. on a bench warrant that had been issued by Second District Court. Police learned of the warrant while investigating a domestic disturbance at Ms. Billett’s home.

Jason K. Shaw, 38, of 173 Stevens Road, Swansea, was charged with simple assault in connection with an incident that took place at Sandy Beach on Prudence island early the morning of Sept. 1. On that date, another man told police, Mr. Shaw had struck him from behind and knocked him to the ground. After a further investigation, police issued a warrant for Mr. Shaw’s arrest Sept. 5 and he turned himself into headquarters at 7:25 a.m. Sept. 24.

Interested in reading more police news? Click here.

A stop sign that had been snapped at its base by a driver was found in the road on the Portsmouth side of Mt. Hope Bridge around 1:30 p.m. Michael T. Aguiar, 32, of 120 Berry Lane, Bristol, was issued a summons for leaving the scene after causing damage to a highway fixture.

Friday, Sept. 26

A four-vehicle accident shortly before 4 p.m. on East Main Road in front of the Portsmouth Free Public Library sent four people to the hospital. The drivers were Genna G. Fernandes of Tiverton and Susa J. Moniz, Kylie Rae J. Koliscz and Matthew R. Molleur, all of Portsmouth. According to police, the Fernandes vehicle was heading southbound and stopped in traffic on East Main Road at Freeborn Street, with the other cars behind her. Police said Mr. Molleur failed to stop, which caused the chain-reaction crash. Ms. Fernandes, two juveniles in her car and Ms. Moniz were all transported to the hospital by the Fire Department.

Saturday, Sept. 27

Margaret C. Kolb, 58, of 20 Baldwin Road, was charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to submit to a chemical test after her car struck a mailbox after leaving Cumberland Farms at Stub Toe Lane shortly before 9:40 p.m. Police said they found Ms. Kolb still behind the wheel of her car in her driveway after receiving a report of an erratic driver.

Sunday, Sept. 28

Joseph O’Loughlin, 54, of 1 Poli St., Bristol, was charged with simple assault following an altercation with another man in the parking lot at Patriot Petroleum on East Main Road shortly before 3 p.m. Another male driver told police he had turned into the gas station and Mr. O’Loughlin pulled alongside him in his vehicle and spat in his face before driving further into the lot. The driver followed the vehicle and then exited his car to speak with Mr. O’Loughlin, at which time a verbal argument ensued, police said. When Mr. O’Loughlin attempted to leave the lot, the other driver blocked his path with his vehicle, according to police. According to Mr. O’Loughlin, he had followed the other car because the driver had cut him off as he was attempting to turn left into the lot, police said.

Here are some highlights from the Portsmouth police log from over the past week.

Wednesday, Oct. 1

A Sigourney Road man told police his Zenbook Ultrabook computer had been stolen, possibly from his vehicle.

Thursday, Oct. 2

Kyle A. Dambrosio, 30, of 1105 Fall River Ave., Fall River, was charged with theft of a credit card at about 5 p.m. Police said Mr. Dambrosio had stolen a pocketbook containing the credit card in Middletown and on Aug. 27 attempted to use the card at a CVS in Portsmouth. Mr. Dambrosio was eventually identified through the store’s surveillance video, according to police.

Friday, Oct. 3

Vehicles driven by Cathleen M. Fournier of Westport and Kevin Botelho of Bristol collided head on on the Mt. Hope Bridge at about 4:40 p.m., causing extensive damage to the front ends of each car. A witness told police that the Botelho vehicle, which was traveling north, crossed into the southbound lane. According to police, Mr. Botelho admitted to having fallen asleep at the wheel. Ms. Fournier complained of neck pain but refused treatment. The accident caused traffic backups on both side of the span.

Sunday, Oct. 5

Kathryn A. Best, 40, of 53 Sherwood Terrace, was charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to submit to a chemical test. Ms. Best’s car was stopped at the corner of Sherwood Drive and East Main Road around 1 a.m. after it was observed crossing into the other travel lane, police said.

Jill M. Emond, 58, of 36 Cedar Ave., was charged with domestic assault in connection with a domestic incident reported at her home around 12:30 p.m.

PORTSMOUTH — Daniel Berger, 28, of Haskell, N.J., was sentenced Thursday to 87 months in federal prison for traveling interstate for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a 13-year-old Portsmouth girl in July 2013.

At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi also ordered Mr. Berger to serve 15 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term, to register as a sex offender and to pay restitution to the victim’s family in the amount of $909.39, for expenses incurred by the family as a result of this crime.

Mr. Berger pled guilty on July 18, 2014, to one count of transportation in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.

At the time of his guilty plea, Mr. Berger admitted to the court that on July 24, 2013, he traveled from New Jersey to Portsmouth to meet with a 13-year-old girl he befriended on the Internet. He admitted to the court that he transported the girl to his residence in Haskell, N.J., with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

Local, state and federal law enforcement from Rhode Island and New Jersey began working collaboratively to locate the victim when she was reported missing on the morning of July 24, 2013. At approximately 12:30 a.m. on July 25, 2013, the victim was located by FBI agents at the defendant’s apartment in Newark, N.J.

According to information presented to the court, a roommate of Mr. Berger’s pointed out a vehicle being operated by Mr. Berger to an FBI Task Force agent. Agents subsequently stopped the vehicle and detained Mr. Berger. He has been detained since his arrest.

The case was prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.

Portsmouth police, Rhode Island State Police and FBI agents from Providence and Newark, N.J., were assisted in the investigation and subsequent arrest of Mr. Berger by the New Jersey State Police and officers from the Ringwood, Wanaque, Paterson and Clifton, N.J. police departments.

PORTSMOUTH — Here are some highlights from the Portsmouth police log from over the past week.

Monday, Oct. 20

A Bay View Avenue man told police that someone broke into his garage two days earlier and stole a Golden Eagle bow worth about $900 and four arrows valued at about $100. There was no signs of a forced entry, police said.

Saturday, Oct. 25

Saing Somphors, 37, of 9 Brook St., Apt. 27, Providence, was charged with driving while intoxicated (first offense) and refusal to submit to a chemical test just after midnight. Police said they stopped Ms. Somphors’ car on West Main Road near Turkey Hill because she made a lane change without using a turn signal and drifted into the breakdown lane.

Caitlin E. Mullins, 27, of 14 Barker Ave., Warren, was charged shortly before 2 a.m. with driving while intoxicated (first offense) and refusal to submit to a chemical test, after the vehicle she was operating hit a street sign on Maggie Lane off Bristol Ferry Road. Police said the sign was knocked over and the car had disabling damage to its right, front axle.

Sunday, Oct. 26

Justin D. Marsden, 31, of 234 Child St., Second Floor, was charged with domestic larceny of under $1,500 and forgery and counterfeiting, both felonies. The charges stem from an incident on May 1, 2014, when a woman related to Mr. Marsden told police there were a number of unauthorized deductions from her bank account at People’s Credit Union. They included more than $3,100 deducted from her checking account, including an additional $323 in overdraft fees. She recognized Mr. Marsden’s handwriting on the cashed checks, according to police. A warrant was issued for Mr. Marsden’s arrest and on Oct. 26 he was picked up by Middletown police. Portsmouth police took custody of him shortly after 1 p.m.

Police responded to Melville Campgrounds shortly before 10 a.m. after receiving a complaint from the town’s Department of Public Works regarding illegal dumping there. Police observed a pile of trash which included old couches and two propane tanks. There were no identifying marks on any of the discarded trash, police said. DPW had also reported illegal dumping two days earlier at the campground. According to Deputy Director Brian Woodhead, someone had dumped five old tires and two broken television sets into the ditch next to where the department stores its wood chippings. Mr. Woodhead also said that the pole holding the “mutt mitt” dispenser had  been knocked over, and the dispenser was dented and would have to be replaced.

A 21-year-old Chepachet man told police that one of his credit cards had been stolen from his vehicle, parked on Annette Drive, sometime overnight. The man said his cell phone, which he believed he had left in the home’s kitchen, was also missing.

Here are some highlights from the Portsmouth police log over the past week.

Monday, Oct. 27

Three election campaign signs and a Cub Scout sign were removed from town property at the transfer station on Hedley Street shortly after police received a complaint at about 11:20 a.m. Police said they found three political signs for David Gleason, Judi Staven and Constance Harding, all candidates for Town Council. Ms. Staven was on the scene and apologized, saying she thought it was OK to place her sign there after seeing other signs posted, said police. Ms. Staven promptly removed all of the campaign signs, saying she would contact the other two candidates, according to police. The town’s registrar of voters, Jacqueline Schulz, told police she was aware of the complaint and had sent an e-mail to all local candidates to inform them not to place signs on town property. Police also removed the Cub Scout sign and informed the person who posted it that it was in the station’s guard shack.

Tuesday, Oct. 28

Vehicles driven by Nancy A. Mowery of Portsmouth and Dennis M. Taber of Newport collided on East Main Road at Schoolhouse Lane at about 12:25 p.m. Ms. Mowery complained of chest pain was transported by rescue workers to a hospital.

Wednesday, Oct. 29

Police responded to a car fire on McCorrie Lane at East Main Road shortly after 3:30 p.m. The vehicle’s engine compartment was on fire and had spread to the interior prior to the Fire Department’s arrival, according to police. The fire was extinguished but the vehicle was a total loss, police said. The vehicle’s owner, Erin Mantoosh, told police that the 2000 Volkswagen Passat, which she had recently purchased, began to fill with smoke coming from the vents before she pulled it over.

Thursday, Oct. 30

Vehicles driven by William M. Massey of Newport and Justin Borges of Fall River collided on East Main Road in front of Clements’ Marketplace around 2:15 p.m. Police said the Massey car was traveling northbound and approaching the market with a green light. The Borges car, which also had a green light, was traveling in the opposite direction and was trying to turn left into the store’s parking lot, police said. That’s when the front end of the Borges car struck the front driver’s side of the Massey vehicle, causing heavy damage to both cars, according to police. Mr. Massey and a passenger both complained of pains and were transported to Newport Hospital. All occupants of the Borges car complained of pain and were evaluated on the scene by rescue workers, but were not transported. Police summoned Mr. Massey for operating a motor vehicle without evidence of insurance, while Mr. Borges was issued a summons for failure to yield a right of way.

Friday, Oct. 31

Daniel R. Keshura, 34, of 106 Islington Ave., was arrested on a bench warrant issued from Second District Court at about 1:50 a.m. Mr. Keshura was spotted walking on East Main Road near Church Lane before the arrest was made, police said.

James. J. Lipay, 67, of 34 Pier Road, Prudence Island, was charged with failure to register as a sex offender, a felony, and obstructing an officer in execution of duty. Two police officers responded to the island residence at about 5:30 p.m. after learning Mr. Lipay was there. According to police, Mr. Lipay had previously been advised that he needed to register as a sex offender in Portsmouth if he intended to use his Prudence residence.

Saturday, Nov. 1

Robert R. Rooke, 27, of 827 Anthony Road, was charged on a bench warrant issued from Third District Court. Police made the arrest around 5:30 p.m. after responding to a report of a suspicious man and woman at Brewer’s Marina. Police found Mr. Rooke there with another woman, and a records check revealed the warrant, which was issued for failure to appear in court.

Monday, Nov. 3

Amy B. White, 37, of 86 Amesbury Lane, Apt. 1114, Little Compton, was charged at about 2:40 a.m. on a bench warrant issued from Second District Court. Police stopped the car Ms. White was driving on Route 24 northbound near Freeborn Street because it had drifted onto the lane divider, police said.

PORTSMOUTH — As a result of feedback from residents who attended a traffic safety meeting Nov. 6, the Department of Public Works will be installing 15 mph speed limit signs on Lepes Road and new stop signs in the adjacent neighborhoods.

On Nov. 6 Police Chief Tom Lee and Public Works Director Dave Kehew met with residents from the Prospect, Sea Meadow and Lepes neighborhoods at Town Hall to discuss traffic safety.

In addition to the new signs, police will continue to conduct traffic enforcement in the area focusing on speeding and stop sign violations.

In addition, residents who observe flagrant traffic violations are requested to contact Officer Cahoon at jcahoon@portsmouthri.com. He will follow up in a reasonable time and advise residents of his findings, according to police.

Police are requesting that those who contact Officer Cahoon provide the following information concerning the alleged violation(s):

• Location and direction of travel of vehicle

• Date/time observed

• Description of vehicle (registration/make/model/color)

• Description of occupants

• Violation observed

If your complaint is time-sensitive or urgent, residents are advised to contact police immediately at 401/683-0300.

The safety improvements come in the wake of a tragic auto accident that took the life of an elderly pedestrian who was walking on Sea Meadow Court on Oct. 19. In an Oct. 21 letter to town leaders, JoEllen Hunt, secretary of the Sea Meadow Farms Association, implored local officials to address the safety of residents who walk and drive in the neighborhood.

At an Oct. 27 Town Council meeting, a Lepes Road resident said there were “serious inconsistencies” with speed limits and stop signs in the areas, and that drivers often drove too fast and recklessly.

PORTSMOUTH — Here are some highlights from the Portsmouth police log over the past week

Nov. 8

Vehicles driven by Michael Richard of Middletown and Joyce Lincourt Sullivan of Portsmouth collided on East Main Road at McCorrie Lane at about 1:10 p.m. An officer had to separate the two drivers at one point because they were arguing about who was at fault, according to police. Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene. Ms. Sullivan said her shoulder was bothering her, but declined medical treatment at the scene. Mr. Richard complained of pain but also refused treatment.

A car driven by Mark Weeks of Somerset struck and killed a female deer that ran in front of his vehicle traveling north on Burma Road around 7:30 p.m. The car sustained heavy damage to its passenger fender and headlight assembly. The R.I Department of Environmental Management was notified about the animal carcass.

Nov. 9

Liam J. Nary, 30, of 132 Greenfield Ave., Portsmouth, was charged with driving while intoxicated (first offense) and refusal to submit to a chemical test shortly after midnight. Police stopped Mr. Nary’s car on Anthony Road near the entrance to Common Fence Point because they said he ran a stop sign earlier.

PORTSMOUTH — Here are some highlights from the Portsmouth police report from over the past week.

Thursday, Nov. 13

Peter M. McAuliffe, 58, of 23 Chapel St., Apt. A, Newport, was charged with driving while intoxicated (first offense); driving after his license had been denied, suspended or revoked; and refusal to submit to a chemical test. Police stopped Mr. McAuliffe’s car on West Main Road near Donna Drive shortly after 4 a.m. because his vehicle drifted over the lane divider.

Friday, Nov. 14

Xavier V. Perry, 20, of 90 Girard Ave., Newport, was charged on a bench warrant issued by Second District Court. Police made the arrest shortly after 4:20 a.m. after responding to Mobil Station on West Main Road for a report of several disorderly male parties in the store. One of the men had blood on his clothing and cuts to his left hand, according to police. The car the men were riding in had a flat tire and they were awaiting AAA service to arrive, police said. When police checked the car, they found Mr. Perry inside sleeping and his pants were soaked with what appeared to be urine, police said. During a records check police found that Mr. Perry had two active Superior Court bench warrants as well as one from District Court.

Melissa S. Castle, 32, of 54 Silva Ave., was charged with driving a vehicle without the consent of its owner, a felony, as well as larceny of under $1,500. The arrest stems from an incident on Nov. 11, when police received a report from a woman who said her 1994 Chrysler New Yorker was missing, along with a flat-screen TV, Dell laptop computer and $80 and cash. Portsmouth police picked up Ms. Castle at the Middletown Police Department at 12:50 p.m. after a warrant had been issued for her arrest.

A 15-year-old girl was charged with two counts of vandalism with malicious injury to property and trespassing at about 8:30 p.m. Police said a Windstone Drive man told police that his surveillance cameras showed that a female had entered his yard and threw something at the home before leaving. A broken egg on the edge of the front lawn was later found, police said. The man identified the girl as being a neighbor, so police went to her home and knocked. The door was answered by the girl, police said, who started crying when told of the reason for the visit. She also admitted having thrown an egg onto the property on another occasion, police said.

Saturday, Nov. 15

A incident of road rage which started in Middletown was blamed for a two-vehicle accident on East Main Road at Sylvania Lane at about 12:45 p.m., police said. The drivers, John Machado of Seekonk and Dana Lyons of Portsmouth, both claimed that the other driver had sideswiped their car, police said. Neither driver was injured.

Sunday, Nov. 16

Frankarlo Quinones, 24, of 314 Hope St., Apt. 7, Bristol, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, with damage resulting to the other vehicle. Police said the accident took place on West Main Road near John Street shortly before 2:30 p.m. No one was injured in the accident, police said.

Police responded to a group home on Bristol Ferry Road at 3:42 p.m. after getting a call that a counselor had been assaulted. A 14-year-old female was charged with assault after biting the counselor’s right forearm and breaking the skin, according to police.

Richard M. Seale, 33, of 2721 East Main Road, was arrested at his home shortly before 6 p.m. on a bench warrant issued from Second District Court.

Monday, Nov. 17

At 12:20 p.m., Police investigated a complaint of vandalism to a commercial building at 3381 East Main Road, formerly Portsmouth Getty. The owner recently learned that the roof of the building had been tagged with graffiti in red spray paint.

PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth Police Department did not violate the state’s public records law when it denied an apartment complex’s request for reports and dispatch log entries regarding a prospective tenant, the Rhode Island attorney general’s office has ruled.

The complaint to the attorney general was brought by Meghan Gill, property manager for West Broadway Associates (WBA), an affordable apartment complex for the elderly in Newport.

According to the Nov. 6 ruling signed by Malena Lopez Mora, special assistant attorney general, Ms. Gill contended that she had a “duty to (her) current tenants to ensure that all prospective applicants will not create an issue or disturbance.”

According to Ms. Gill, Police Lt. A.J. Bucci denied her request for the reports and dispatch logs involving the prospective tenant, identified only as “John Doe” in the ruling.

In response to the complaint, the attorney general received a “substantive” response from Town Solicitor Kevin Gavin, who stated that Lt. Bucci denied the request for the following reasons:

• “Disclosure of the records could reasonable be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.”

• “Disclosure would deprive a person of a right to fair trial or an impartial adjudication.”

In her ruling, Ms. Mora points out that both exceptions are found in the state’s Access to Public Records Act (APRA).

“It is the department’s position that Lt. Bucci acted properly in evaluating the request and applying the appropriate balancing test, which resulted in his determination that the records sought by Ms. Gill in this case were exempt from public disclosure under APRA,” Ms. Mora wrote.

Her ruling went on to state: “This department has consistently held that when an arrest has not taken place, there is a presumption that incident reports are exempt from public disclosure.”

In addition, Ms. Gill failed to present any overriding “public interest” reason for the records to be disclosed, according to the ruling.

“Not only do we question whether the incident report(s) shed light on how government operates, but the report contains personal and sensitive information,” stated Ms. Mora. “The privacy interests therefore outweigh any interest the public may have in disclosure of such a report, particularly given the presumptive nature of an incident report that does not culminate in an arrest.”

You can read the complete ruling here.

PORTSMOUTH — It all began with a misunderstanding.

Officer Jeff Cornelisse, in his seventh year on the Portsmouth police force, was called to a Bramans Lane home. A bus driver had reported seeing an abused child on the ground outside.

When he arrived, Officer Cornelisse, 28, found a young girl all curled up in a fetal position.

It was Lily, a 13-year-old with cerebral palsy.

“She was outside playing and the bus driver thought she was being abused and left there, and in fact she wasn’t,” said Jeff.

Lily was at the home of her respite provider, Jennifer Trotter, who cares for her while her mom, Beth Nilson of Middletown, is at work.

“Lily sits down on the grass and scoots,” explained Jennifer, who’s taken care of Lily for more than three years and has her six days a week. “She can’t walk or anything. When she doesn’t know somebody, she tucks her head in like a turtle.”

Beth Nilson, her daughter Lily and Officer Jeff Cornelisse visit at the Portsmouth police station recently.

“Lily doesn’t go to many men,” said Jennifer. “She goes to her mom’s fiancé, my husband and her dad. It took her a long time to get used to me and my husband, but she climbed right up on Jeff. She was hugging him and she turned around and sat exactly like him.”

Jeff said he’s not sure why Lily accepted him so quickly, but that his police training may have been a factor.

“What happened that day was that Jennifer introduced me to her and I was always taught that a solid tactic is to always get on someone’s level — to never be above somebody else,” said Jeff. “Especially with kids, you can’t be afraid to get your uniform dirty and to get on the ground with them. I just talked to her like she was a person and she came right over. She feels everything out; a lot of her sensory is touch. She came over and started touching my hand and slowly climbed on me and gave me a hug.”

“It was just unbelievable,” added Jennifer.

After their chance encounter, Jeff and Lily became fast friends.

“When he came out he spent time with her and he still sees her,” said Jennifer, pointing out that Jeff, who’s married, doesn’t even have children of his own yet. “He also sends texts and e-mails. She knows who he is. I’ve been taking care of disabled people my whole life, and I’ve never seen somebody do what he did. He’s an incredible man — just a good guy.”

Lily, who’s had cerebral palsy since she was an infant, shows off her dress.

Lily was not born with cerebral palsy, according to her mom.

“She was born healthy, then when she was about 10 days old she got some kind of a known virus that caused encephalitis that put her in a coma. The aftereffects caused brain damage which caused cerebral palsy and developmental delays,” said Beth.

Lily is in the seventh grade at Gaudet School in Middletown — “She’s very well-known; everybody likes her,” said Jennifer — and enjoys many of the same things as other kids do.

“She likes to swim, she loves the beach and she loves rocking,” said Beth, adding that Lily uses the pool at the Navy base. “Being in the military we’ve moved around a lot, but she took horse riding lessons for years.”

(The family is relocating again to North Carolina next year. Jeff said he’ll miss Lily dearly and even joked about finding a police officer’s job in the area.)

Recently, Jeff stopped by the Trotter home to give Lily a stuffed horse. “She likes horses and goes down the street to a farm that has horses in the summertime,” said Jeff, who also takes time with Lily when she comes to visit him at the police station.

Taking time, asking questions

The mistake made by the bus driver is a common one. Jennifer knows all too well the basic lack of understanding many people have regarding those with disabilities. Her sister, Jessica, also had cerebral palsy. She passed away at the age of 25 on the day after Christmas in 2008.

“I remember going to church and us being thrown out because my sister would make gagging noises because she had reflux,” said Jennifer.

As a consequence, her parents didn’t take Jessica out in public too often.

“But Beth takes Lily everywhere. She does everything,” Jennifer said. “When I see people stare at Lily, I just say, ‘Honey, you can come up and touch her. Come say hi to her.’ But a lot of people don’t understand. They just think, ‘Ew.’”

Lily plays with Officer Jeff Cornelisse during a visit to the home of Jennifer Trotter, a respite provider who cares for Lily.

“I think the schools are doing a better job of educating the kids nowadays through programs like Best Buddies, where they pair up kids with the special needs kids to play basketball or special events. Kids these days are probably more open and understanding about it,” she said.

And obviously, so is Jeff, whose instant connection with Lily has touched both women’s hearts.

Jeff said his unexpected friendship with Lily has benefited him as well.

“You’ve got to be able to take time out of your day to meet new people and learn,” he said. “If you don’t know something about it, instead of being shy and not asking, ask about it. What’s the worse that can happen? Two great people and a great little girl can change your life, just like that.”

PORTSMOUTH — Here are some highlights from the Portsmouth police report from over the past week.

Monday, Nov. 17

Nicole L. Woll, 34, of 9 Clement St., Tiverton, was charged with driving after her license had been suspended or revoked. Police made the arrest after responding to a two-car accident on Park Avenue near Valhalla Drive at 3:19 p.m. Ms. Woll sustained minor injuries to her face due to the air bags deploying, but declined medical treatment, according to police. The other car sustained heavy damage to its rear end.

Thursday, Nov. 20

Two Portsmouth drivers were treated by rescue workers after their vehicles collided in the entrance to the transfer station on Hedly Street around 3:20 p.m. According to police, a car driven by Nicole Coite was stopped in the entrance way when it was rear-ended by another car operated by Theresa Chapman. The Chapman car then continued forward and struck a town recycling dumper, police said. Both drivers were taken to Newport Hospital for further evaluation, and the cars had to be towed from the scene. Police said a transfer station employee estimated there was about $3,000 damage to the recycling bin.

Saturday, Nov. 22

Manuel V. Abreau, 58, of 183 Glennon St., New Bedford, was charged with driving while intoxicated (first offense) and refusal to submit to a chemical test. Police stopped Mr. Abreau’s car for speeding on West Main Road at Hedly Street shortly after 2 a.m.

A car driven by Nicole Kivlehan of Middletown sustained disabling damage after it struck and damaged about 100 feet of a wire protective barrier at Sunny Acres on Route 24 shortly before 3 a.m. The vehicle had to be towed from the scene.

Police investigated a report of mail found on the ground in the area of East Main Road at St. Anthony’s Church just before 8 a.m. Police found pieces of both opened and unopened mail and newspapers scattered near the church. Police said five nearby mailboxes were found with their flaps open.

Michael A. Vanover, 55, of 160 Broad St., Providence, was arrested on a bench warrant that had been issued by Third District Court. Police made the arrest after stopping Mr. Vanover’s car for speeding on East Main Road near Church Lane at about 8:15 a.m.

James M. Grasselli, 47, of 222 Peckham Ave., Middletown, was charged with domestic assault. Police said Mr. Grasselli had assaulted a woman in Portsmouth sometime before 5 p.m. He was arrested at his home about 5:45 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 24

At 8:21 a.m., police investigated a Valley Lane resident’s complaint that the passenger side window of his vehicle had been broken out, but nothing appeared to be missing

PORTSMOUTH — Here are some highlights from the Portsmouth police report from over the past week.

Tuesday, Nov. 25

Karen A. Arnold, 53, of 23 Greenfield Ave., Portsmouth, was charged with domestic assault and resisting arrest at 8:50 p.m. following an incident at her home.

Read about members of a Portsmouth family who were saved by their home’s smoke detectors here.

Thursday, Nov. 27

Ian T. Smith, 18, of 1046 West Main Road, was charged with underage possession of alcohol. Police were called to check the Irving gas station at 8:16 a.m. for a report of a group of males in an SUV smoking marijuana. Upon an officer’s arrival, the vehicle immediately backed up and left the parking area but was later stopped on Education Lane, police said. The driver told police he was headed to a football game at Portsmouth High School, according to police. (The Thanksgiving Day game between Portsmouth and Middletown high schools was scheduled to start at 10 a.m., but in Middletown.) Inside the SUV were seven males — all 18 except for one 19-year-old. Police said they found a small amount of marijuana in the vehicle, as well as a bottle of Bacardi Big Apple, a water bottle containing alcohol, and a fraudulent Nevada ID card. Mr. Smith admitted to owning the alcohol, according to police.

Zachary W. McGaw, 29, of 1156 Anthony Road, was charged with larceny of under $1,500 at about 7:45 p.m. The charge stems from a Nov. 10 complaint by a Portsmouth man who said a men’s wedding band, a men’s gold ring, a men’s gold watch and Monster speakers were missing from his home. The items were last scene on Nov. 1 or 2, he told police. After an investigation a warrant was issued for Mr. McGaw’s arrest, and he was picked up at his home on Nov. 27.

Friday, Nov. 28

Nicholas M. Minior, 29, of 17 Casey Drive, Bristol, was charged with driving while intoxicated (first offense) and refusal to submit to a chemical test. Police had received a report of a vehicle being operated erratically and pulled it over on West Main Road near Twin Lanterns around 12:15 a.m.

Tammy Lombardo, 47, of 646 Bristol Ferry Road, Apt. 2, was arrested at her home shortly before 2 p.m. on a Superior Court bench warrant. Police said the warrant was issued after Ms. Lombardo failed to appear for sentencing on a technical violation.

A woman reported suspicious activity at a vacant Willow Lane home adjacent to her residence. While checking the residence recently, she noticed the doors on the main level were open. When she looked inside, she saw numerous female dolls on the floor along with metal jacks, as though a child had been playing inside, she told police. The woman reported that the “scene looked supernatural and ‘freaked her out,’” according to the police report. When police investigated, they found a padlocked hasp to the basement bulkhead pried off, but it appeared than no one had been in the house for an extended period of time. Officers were unable to secure the home, currently owned by Buttonwood Acquisition LLL of Pennsylvania.

Saturday, Nov. 29

Kevin M. Fitzgerald, 20, of 3 Lambert St., Narragansett, was charged with underage possession of liquor. Mr. Fitzgerald was one of three occupants of a car that was pulled over shortly after midnight because it was observed parked partially in the northbound travel lane on Park Avenue near Aquidneck Avenue.

Joshua A. Perham, 33, of 42 Island Ave., was charged with two counts of domestic vandalism with malicious injury to property. He was arrested on a warrant issued after an incident reported at his home the day before. Police said he had punched multiple holes in an upstairs wall, knocked a table over and destroyed a Christmas ornament.

Mandy J. Byrnes, 26, of 661 Metacom Ave., Bristol, was charged with possession of heroin after her car was stopped at about 6 p.m. on West Main Road at Stringham Road. Patrol Officer David E. Powers II said he saw the car crossing over the double yellow line several times. When Officer Powers approached Ms. Byrnes, police said, he observed a metal spoon sticking out from under her right thigh and a cotton swab on her lap, both of which she tried to conceal. A search of the car turned up a handbag containing three used syringes, a metal spoon with burn marks, a cotton swab with a burnt residue and two plastic baggies with a white powder residue, according to police. During the booking process, police said Ms. Byrnes told them she had injected heroin two hours earlier.

Sunday, Nov. 30

A 17-year-old Middletown boy was charged with reckless driving after police responded to a roll-over accident on East Main Road at Clearview Avenue at about 2 p.m. When police arrived they found a silver 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit resting on its passenger side with no occupants inside. After interviewing witnesses, police determined that the car had turned from Stubtoe Lane onto East Main Road at a high rate of speed and cut off a gold 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis. The cars proceeded south on East Main Road in an erratic fashion and at speeds estimated at 60 mph, police said. The Volkswagen then jolted, turned and flipped on its side before rolling into a pole, police said. According to a witness, based on the conversation she head from the people inside, the two drivers had been racing. Police said two passengers in the Volkswagen, a 1-year-old infant and her mother, were transported to Newport Hospital for evaluation. Police said the Volkswagen’s brakes had apparently locked, making the car spin out of control.

Lawrence B. Quinn, 19, of 697 Middle Road, was charged with two counts of domestic assault following an incident at his home that was reported shortly before 4:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 1

A local woman complained that the inflatable snowman decoration in her front yard had been vandalized and that two plastic covers had been taken off her oversized Christmas lights.

PORTSMOUTH — The town violated the state public records act when it failed to provide the local police union with documents relating to attorney fees and other expenses incurred due to an arbitration hearing, the Rhode Island attorney general’s office ruled Monday.

Although the town did respond to the union with a dollar figure in narrative form, it did not provide copies of the actual documents as required, according to the attorney general’s office.

Michael C. Arnold, president of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers (OBPO) Local 302, first alleged the town had violated the Access to Public Records Act (APRA) in a Sept. 29 e-mail to the attorney general’s office.

According to Mr. Arnold’s complaint, “our treasurer had requested all documents relating to payment of attorney fees and other expenses incurred due to an interest arbitration hearing between the Town of Portsmouth and INPO Local 302.”

Mr. Arnold said he received a sole e-mail from James Lathrop, the town’s director of finance and human resources, “indicating the amount spent on the interest arbitration; however (our treasurer) did not receive any supporting documentation to substantiate such claim.”

In its Oct. 7 response to the complaint, the town said Mr. Arnold’s letter did not accurately reflect the request submitted by union treasurer Jack Clark.

Mr. Clark requested “all debts paid and owed due to negotiations with the Portsmouth Police Union to include legal fees, witnesses, actuary costs, etc.” from Jan. 1, 2013 through July 1, 2014, the town’s response states. Mr. Lathrop, the town said, “reasonably interpreted this to be a request for information — not records.”

The attorney general’s office rejected that argument.

“Respectfully, any conclusion to the contrary in these circumstances would be contrary to the APRA,” Malena Lopez Mora, special assistant attorney general, stated in a Dec. 8 e-mail notifying Mr. Arnold of the decision.

Ms. Mora noted that in a similar case, Campbell vs. Town of Tiverton, the complainant had also requested legal fees and expenses, but the town responded by sharing the billing amounts in narrative form only.

“In Campbell, we concluded that the town had violated the APRA by not allowing the complainant to ‘inspect and/or to copy the actual records,’” stated Ms. Mora. “Here, instead of granting or denying you access to the records sought, the town provided you with numerical information and/or a narrative response.”

Specifically, in an e-mail dated Sept. 25, the town revealed it had incurred the cost of “$87,313 on police arbitration,” she pointed out in her letter. “While it appears that the town provided you with information that may be responsive, at least in part to your request, the evidence makes clear that you were not allowed to ‘inspect and/or to copy’ the actual records,” Ms. Mora stated in her e-mail to Mr. Arnold.

No fine

As a result of the ruling, the AG’s office has directed the town to provide the union with the requested documents within 10 business days of its finding, or otherwise show cause as to why the documents should not be disclosed.

Despite the ruling, the attorney general’s office found insufficient evidence to suggest that the violation was “knowing and willful or “reckless,” therefore no civil fines will be sought against the town at this time, according to Ms. Mora.

“This finding serves as notice to the town that its actions violated the APRA and may serve as evidence of a willful and knowing or reckless violation in any future similar case,” she stated.

Other AG rulings

This is the second time in two weeks that the attorney general’s office has ruled that Portsmouth officials ran afoul of the law. On Nov. 25, the office ruled that the School Committee violated the R.I. Open Meetings Act when it met twice outside the purview of the public earlier this year to greet potential candidates for the school superintendent’s job.

In another recent open meetings complaint, the office ruled Nov. 17 that the Town Council did not violate the law when it convened into executive session to discuss “litigation” regarding the R.I. Department of Environmental Management’s notice of violation issued against the town over septic issues.

Resident Larry Fitzmorris, who filed the complaint, had argued that since all the parties involved in the litigation were present, the meeting should have been held in open session.

The attorney general, however, ruled that the private talks were appropriate.

In an e-mail to the Portsmouth Times, Mr. Fitzmorris said he was trying to establish limits to the use of “litigation” and “potential litigation” to allow town panels to go into private sessions.

“This decision opens the door for all elected bodies to take contentious issues into secret session,” Mr. Fitzmorris stated.

PORTSMOUTH — A 24-year-old Cranston woman caused some mayhem in a police jail cell following her arrest on a drunk-driving charge Friday night.

Around 11 p.m., police were dispatched to a vehicle accident on East Main Road at Sherwood Drive and arrived to find a car resting partially on top of a stone wall.

The driver, Jennifer R. Aldana, 24, of 42 Cedar St., Cranston, told them she was coming back from a Christmas party in Middletown where she had had “a few glasses of wine,” according to police. She also said she was on the phone when her vehicle veered off the roadway, police said.

Ms. Aldana was charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to submit to a chemical test.

After being placed in a holding cell at the police station, Ms. Aldana caused herself to vomit by sticking her fingers down her throat, then spread it around the walls and windows of the holding room, according to police. After moving her to the female cell, police said she continued the behavior.

“Aldana also removed all her clothing and attempted to flood her cell by clogging the toilet with her dress and again spreading her vomit on the walls and windows,” Patrol Officer Ryan A. Goyette stated in his report.

The woman then began banging her head against the cell wall, rolled over and laid motionless on the floor, police said. After the Fire Department was summoned to check on her condition, she moved herself to an upright position and stated she was “OK” and refused to be transported to a hospital.

According to Officer Goyette, at one point Ms. Aldana stated, “There are murderers out there and I was only at a Christmas party and drove home drunk.”