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

Tuesday, Dec. 2

Ashley G. Sass, 27, of 25 Sundance St., Warwick, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, reckless driving/eluding police and driving after her license had been suspended or revoked at about 6 p.m. Middletown police had requested that local officers stop and hold Ms. Sass, who was allegedly driving a Dodge Avenger without the owner’s consent. Police spotted the car on West Main Road near King Charles Drive, but the driver did not stop after a cruiser’s emergency lights were activated, police said. The car was finally pulled over after getting stuck behind another vehicle that was attempting to yield to the cruiser, police said. During a search of the vehicle, police said they found four hypodermic needles, an empty baggie associated with heroin, a spoon used to cook heroin and crack cocaine.

In other Portsmouth police news, 24-year-old woman charged with DUI strips inside holding cell and causes herself to vomit.

Thursday, Dec. 4

Nancy K. Morris, 60, of 22 North St., was charged with shoplifting at Clements’ Marketplace shortly before 5 p.m. Employees detained Ms. Morris at the scene after she allegedly changed the price tag on half a pound of angus tenderloin to three quarters of a pound of angus lean ground beef, police said. According to store employees, records showed that Ms. Morris had been changing price tags on several other items from Sept. 1 to Nov. 21 before allegedly being caught in the act, police said.

Friday, Dec. 5

A 22-year-old female was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital with traumatic injuries after she hit a telephone pole on Bristol Ferry Road at Brownell Lane around 9:30 a.m. The driver had managed to remove herself from the car before rescue workers’ arrival.

Bob J. Brookshire, 76, of 112 Old Mill Lane, was charged with domestic assault following an incident at his home around 3 p.m.

Steven J. Roderiques, 33, of 165 Mill Lane, was charged with driving after his license had been denied, suspended or revoked; reckless driving; and possession of a switchblade knife. Police said they observed a car speeding on Route 24 northbound heading onto the Sakonnet River Bridge around 5:45 p.m. Entering into Tiverton, the driver refused to stop after an officer activated his emergency lights, police said. The driver took the Main Road exit, turned left and took the Route 24 south on-ramp back onto the bridge. After following the car into Portsmouth, the driver finally stopped in the parking lot of North End Pizza on East Main Road, with his daughter in the vehicle, police said.

Paul R. Cook, 44, of Randolph, Vt., was charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of marijuana and refusal to submit to a chemical test. Police were dispatched to the parking lot of the Xtra Mart, 1568 West Main Road, at 9:25 p.m. for a report of a suspicious male who appeared to be intoxicated. According to police, another driver said Mr. Cook nearly rear-ended his tow truck as they both pulled into the gas station and then fell down getting out of his vehicle.

Jonamyr Miranda, 27, of 2 Ledyard St., Newport, was charged at 10:20 p.m. with operating a vehicle using a foreign license that had been suspended or revoked. Mr. Miranda’s car was stopped on West Main Road at Turkey Hill for having illegal window tint and a loud exhaust, police said.

Saturday, Dec. 6

James E. Bonas, 25, of 347 Cottrell Road, Tiverton, was charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and refusal to submit to a chemical test at about 4 a.m. At 3:42 a.m. police were informed by the Newport Police Department that a suspect in a breaking-and-entering was possibly heading into Tiverton. After setting up post on Route 24 northbound, police observed a car traveling 62 mph in a posted 50 mph zone. The driver refused to stop and continued at a steady speed of about 65 mph for a half-mile before pulling to the shoulder and slamming on the brakes, police said. Based on the report from Newport and Mr. Bonas’ “aggressive nature” toward police, an officer drew his service weapon and ordered the driver to stop. Mr. Bonas started cursing at the officer, refused orders to get down on the ground, turned around and walked back to his vehicle and sat down, according to police. Finally, he complied with an order to show his hands and throw the keys to the ground, police said. A Dodge Caravan operated by Amy White of Little Compton struck a parked, unattended Chevy Express Van and then a stone wall on Turnpike Avenue at Gorton Street around 4:50 p.m. Ms. White told police a deer had run out into the roadway, which caused her to swerve and hit the other vehicle. She was transported to the hospital for complaints of pain. Both vehicles were heavily damaged and towed from the scene.

Brittney R. Rebello, 25, of 296 Canonicus St., Tiverton, was charged with driving after her licensed had been denied, suspended or revoked. Police stopped her car on East Main Road near Eyler Road at 5:15 p.m. because its rear license plate was not illuminated.

Brian S. Devolve, 31, of Bay View Estates, 2121 West Main Road, Apt. 509, was charged with domestic assault following a report of a domestic disturbance at the apartment complex shortly after 8 p.m. When police arrived they found Mr. Devolve standing in the middle of the parking lot with his hands in the air, police said. He told officers he wanted to cooperate and that there were two handguns in his duffel bag on the ground, according to police. Mr. Devolve said he works for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and that the bag contained both his work-issued and personal firearm. A woman reported that following an argument, an intoxicated Mr. Devolve pushed her into a metal fireplace as he was attempting to take her car keys, according to police.

Sunday, Dec. 7

Jonathan J. Greenwood, 38, of 42 Cottage St., Providence, was arrested on a warrant for domestic assault that had been issued by Pawtucket police. Mr. Greenwood was a passenger in a car that had been stopped on West main Road shortly before 6 p.m. because a headlight was out.

Monday, Dec. 8

Travis T. Sims, 32, of 215 Wood St., Apt. 2, Bristol, was charged with being a fugitive from justice shortly after 1 a.m. Police made the arrest after pulling over a car in which Mr. Sims was a passenger on West Main Road because it had crossed over the white fog line. The U.S. Marshals Service out of Providence had an active warrant for Mr. Sims’ arrest.

Jeffrey A. Fontes, 37, of 54 Maniton Drive, was charged with domestic assault, domestic vandalism with malicious injury to property, domestic disorderly conduct and resisting arrest follow an incident at his home shortly after 8 p.m. According to police, Mr. Fontes punched a female and broke two windows and a flat-screen television set in the house.

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

Wednesday, Dec. 10

Korby M. LeBlanc, 31, of 1156 Anthony Road, was charged with possession of Schedule I, II, III, IV, IV after the car she was driving was stopped in the area of Anthony Road and Lakeville Avenue at 4:45 p.m. because a taillight wasn’t working. During a records check, police learned Ms. LeBlanc had an active bench warrant for her arrest out of Second District Court. During a search, police found two capsules of Adderall in a pocket of her jacket, and six yellow pills later identified as Alprazolam, in the center console of the car. According to police, Ms. LeBlanc could not produce a prescription for either medication.

Thursday, Dec. 11

Gabriel A. Munoz, 19, of 39 Old Stone Church Road, Little Compton, was charged with vandalism with malicious injury to property at about 4:30 p.m. Police said the arrest stems from an incident on Nov. 5, when they were dispatched to Hathaway School shortly before 6 a.m. for a report of graffiti spray-painted onto the building. Little Compton police took custody of Mr. Munoz after Portsmouth police issued a warrant for his arrest.

Friday, Dec. 12

Darryl Pettus Jr., 25, of 45 Lincoln St., Cranston, and Jesus A. Baez, 30, of 8 Audrey St., Providence, were each charged on bench warrants issued by Second District Court. Police made the arrests after responding at 2:47 p.m. to a report of two males walking in the roadway in the area of East Main and Pine Tree roads.

Helena Dasilva, 41, of 11 Seagull St., Bristol, was charged with larceny of under $1,500 at about 6:15 p.m. The arrest stems from a Dec. 10 incident in which Ms. Dasilva, an employee of Dunkin Donuts, 3001 East Main Road, was caught on surveillance video taking a customer’s purse that had been left behind on a chair, according to police. Ms. Dasilva then brought the purse into the guest bathroom and returned a few moments later without it, police said. When the owner of the purse later sent a family member to retrieve it, it was missing a phone as well as $182 in cash, she told police. Police issued a warrant for Ms. Dasilva’s arrest and Bristol police took her into custody.

Saturday, Dec. 13

Daniel J. Okane, 59, of 48 Redwood Road, was charged with driving while intoxicated (first offense) at 2:25 a.m. A police cruiser was on a traffic stop on West Main Road at Melville School when Mr. Okane’s car stopped behind the two vehicles partially in the left lane, police said. The officer motioned for Mr. Okane to pass, but he did not move the vehicle, police said. When the officer approached the vehicle and spoke with Mr. Okane, he noticed the driver had bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech and alcohol on his breath, according to police.

Steven M. Araujo, 28, of 121 Pine St., Fall River, was arrested at 1:10 a.m. on a bench warrant issued from Second District Court. Police made the arrest after stopping a car in which Mr. Araujo was a passenger on East Main Road because a rear plate light was out.

A local resident reported that an iPhone 6 she had ordered from Amazon, valued at $845, was missing from the box that was delivered to her home via Federal Express. The box was light to the touch, she said, and when she opened it there was nothing inside except for a packaging slip.

PORTSMOUTH — “People don’t think there’s a need in Portsmouth, but look around you,” says Police Officer Scott Sullivan, pointing to the wide variety of items filling the police station’s break room Tuesday afternoon.

Lava lamps, pajamas, rubber dinosaurs, piles of gift cards, a Casio keyboard, sweatshirts, snow boots, sporting equipment and many more items are stacked on a table and along the walls. They’re all gifts going to needy families as part of the Police Department’s annual Holiday Drive, spearheaded by Officer Sullivan, aka “Sully.”

And, he says, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

“This isn’t even close to all of it. We’ve already given stuff away,” says Officer Sullivan, who’s run the annual drive for the past three years after a request by Deputy Chief Brian Peters.

“It was usually guys just throwing money into a hat and asking the union for a few bucks,” says Officer Sullivan, whose efforts have greatly increased donations from not only union members and department staff, but from the general public and local businesses.

“This year I think we’ve done over $5,000 from us and that’s not including everything else we’ve gotten. A lot of this is what we’ve bought,” he says.

“I think it’s great,” adds Detective Sgt. Michael Arnold, president of the police union. “I think we’ve come a long way from three years ago. I think the first year was $500.”

Nicole Pascoe, a social worker in the school district, is the “actual angel behind all of this,” says Officer Sullivan. She identifies which local families are in need of some help during the holidays and provides the police with a gift wish list.

While at least 90 percent of the donations and gifts are going to Portsmouth residents, police aren’t saying “no” to anyone, he says.

“Some people need a helping hand — just a little boost. Some people need a little more,” he says. “Some of these people may be a two-income family and they can pay off their bills, but there’s nothing left for the extras. So we may buy their groceries and gas for a week, so now they can go out and buy their own clothes or whatever they want to do for the kids.”

While the holiday drive has been rewarding for police, it’s important to them that they stay in the background.

Police received a wish list from local families and filled their orders as best they could. “We try to help everybody,” Officer Sullivan says.

While some of the gifts were to be delivered to the schools, other families don’t know the gifts are coming. “On Christmas Eve, some of the guys will deliver this stuff late at night and it will be on the porch,” he says.

All-consuming

The holiday drive has become a second job for “Sully.” Before working one of his typical midnight shifts — 7 p.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Wednesday — he was on gift duty.

“I came in here this morning and organized the list,” says Officer Sullivan, who had gotten only three hours of sleep the previous night after having been up 40 hours straight. “On Facebook I get requests or responses to help, so you have to organize all that.”

Then he attended a police luncheon in North Dartmouth before hitting the nearby stores to buy more gifts. After that came a special assignment to help a struggling young lady in Portsmouth. “She’s just trying to make sure her kids are fed,” says Officer Sullivan, who called Home Depot, where his wife works, after learning the woman had no Christmas tree.

“It’s the third (tree) they’ve given us. I drove down to Home Depot, picked up a tree stand and lights. Someone had donated some ornaments, and I dropped them off along with some coats. Then I shopped for all their gifts,” he says.

If he was lucky, he caught an hour or two of sleep before his 12-hour shift.

Delivering gifts to needy families can be an emotional experience for some officers.

“I have one guy with a very tough exterior and I asked if he would drop off some of the gifts and he said, ‘I can’t, because I’ll lose it around the kids and no one can see that,’” he recalls. “I don’t think I’ve cried since my father passed away and that’s 15 years ago, but I’ve come pretty darn close.”

Like the time police learned of a little boy named William who had special needs. William asked for a table for his classroom.

“We said, ‘A table?’ It was like a $200 table and we had to get it from a school supply store. We brought it in and it’s very heavy. We learned that he can’t sit at a normal table in class. We dropped it off and the mom starts crying. We said, ‘It’s OK mom, it’s a table.’ She said, ‘You didn’t give my son a table; you gave him his independence, because he can now sit with his classmates.’ The school bought the chairs and now he has his own place to sit.”

‘We try to help everybody’

Police try to keep in mind other folks who are often neglected during the holiday season. They also deliver to the local group home for girls ages 14 to 17 that’s run by the state Department of Children, Youth and Families. While it’s easy to get sponsors for little kids, troubled teenagers are a harder sell, he says.

“So we’ve got a gift for each of them. And we’ll deliver those, so they can have a good interaction with us,” he says.

Police were recently told about two local adults with mental disabilities who might want gifts. “They’re wards of the state. Nobody thinks of them. One of them asked for bongos. I’m still trying to find those,” says Officer Sullivan.

Sometimes, they even find a gift for a child to give to his or her parents. “One of the kids asked for a saw for his daddy. So I went to Home Depot and they stepped up again. Now we make sure mom and dad get something, whether it’s a gift card, or a blanket or a sweatshirt. We try to help everybody that we can.”

Would like to expand

Although the holiday drive has already grown by leaps and bounds, Officer Sullivan says police would like to eventually make it a year-round program, as there are always families in need.

“If there’s someone in Portsmouth who needs help, let us know because they’re usually not going to contact us,” he says.

People with either gift requests or donations can go to the “PPD Holiday Drive” Facebook page, call police at 683-0300 or stop by the station and ask for him. It’s never too late to donate, he says, and all cash donations are accounted for.

“It’s a great program because we see a difference and people get to see us in a better light,” says Officer Sullivan. “We look at it this way: We’re not helping people, they’re helping us. We all took the job to help people and to protect and serve. This is the serve part that’s pretty fun.”

The gift of prayer

A little girl has become a motivating force behind the annual Holiday Drive.

Hannah Wertens is an 11-year-old Portsmouth girl whose ongoing battle against leukemia is well-known locally.

“She had leukemia at 4 and she had it again last year,” says Officer Sullivan.

Police learned the family was not going to request any gifts last year, so Officer Sullivan placed a call to Hannah’s mother. “Santa wanted me to give you a call,” he told her.

All Hannah wanted, he ,learned was a Selena Gomez poster. “We knew they were struggling, so some people in town donated a brand-new computer for them. We were able to get 50 or 60 gifts over there to make their Christmas special.”

This year he called the family again. “The mom said, ‘It’s greedy for me to even ask you for anything because you guys gave us so much before and I don’t want other people to go without,’” says Officer Sullivan. “She said the only thing her daughter was asking for was for people to pray for her.”

So Officer Sullivan went on Facebook and made a short video requesting a “share-a-prayer” for Hannah to have a healthy recovery.

“I said I was hoping that 500 people would look at it and say a prayer. In seven or eight days, we’ve had 22,000, 23,000 people look at it from all over including the United Arab Emirates, Canada. I just had a Chicago police officer write me today.”

The video was a key reason why the holiday drive has been such a success this year, he says.

“It really helped drive all this. It’s not just about Hannah; it’s about everyone.”

Anyone who would like to share a greeting with Hannah can do so by sending a card to the Portsmouth Police Department c/o Hannah, 2270 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.

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

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Jose A. Mosquea, 47, of 68 Bourbon St., was charged with domestic assault following an incident at his home that was reported at 7:43 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 18

Jeffrey J. Bouchard, 28, of 285 Turnpike Ave., Apt. 12, was charged with driving while intoxicated (first offense) at about 3:15 a.m. Mr. Bouchard’s car was stopped on East Main Road in front of DeCastro Farms for running a red light, according to police. The vehicles’ brake lights were also not activated, police said.

David C. Nelson, 48, of 49 Garfield St., Newport, was arrested shortly after 4 p.m. on a bench warrant (for failure to appear for an arraignment) issued from Second District Court. Mr. Nelson was a passenger in a car that was stopped on West Main Road because its brake lights weren’t working.

Richard Holiday, 27, of 17 Luther Lane, Portsmouth, was charged with driving while intoxicated after a two-vehicle accident at about 10 p.m. sent him to Rhode Island Hospital with traumatic injuries. Mr. Holiday’s car left the roadway and hit a tree and a telephone pole before coming back onto the road and hitting a second car, police said. Mr. Holiday had to be extricated using the Jaws of Life before being transported to the hospital, where he was listed in good condition Monday. The female driver of the second vehicle received treatment but refused transport to a hospital.

Friday, Dec. 19

Ashley M. Gillis, 21, of 3 Oakland St., Tiverton, was charged with driving while intoxicated (first offense) and refusal to submit to a chemical test at 2:40 a.m. Police made the arrest after responding to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of the Portsmouth Fire Department. According to police, Ms. Gillis said she pulled into the lot because her car had a flat tire. Police said they smelled liquor on her breath, and Ms. Gillis failed a field sobriety test.

Zachary L. Brown, 27, of 50 Bowlet St., second floor, Providence, was charged with driving while intoxicated (first offense) and refusal to submit to a chemical test just before midnight. Mr. Brown was stopped for speeding on West Main Road near the Valley Inn Restaurant. Mr. Brown failed a field sobriety test, according to police.

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

Monday, Dec. 22

A local woman reported the possible theft of a package that the Post Office confirmed had been delivered to her mailbox two days earlier. The woman told police that close to the time the package was delivered, a girl ages 15 to 18 came to the back door of her home, asked how the family was doing, then left on foot.

A Kawasaki dirt bike was found by a resident on Hope Avenue next to a pond in Common Fence Point, police said. The dirt bike was covered with a tarp and several branches to disguise its location, according to police. No owner of the bike was found by police, who impounded the property.

Joseph Volpicelli, 47, of 32 Lawton Brook Lane, Portsmouth, was charged with domestic vandalism with malicious injury to property shortly before 7 p.m. Police said Mr. Volpicelli punched a microwave in anger, causing visible damage. Members of the Fire Department treated Mr. Volpicelli for a wound to his hand, but he refused to be taken to a hospital, said police.

Robert R. Rooke, 27, of 827 Anthony Road, was charged with being a fugitive from justice. Mr. Rooke had an active extraditable warrant out of the Hillsborough Country Sherriff’s Office in Florida, according to police, who arrested him at his home at about 9:40 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 23 

Police investigated a near head-on collision on the Mt. Hope Bridge at about 8:15 p.m. which led to the arrest of a Bristol man on a DWI charge. After responding to Boyd’s Lane at the base of the bridge for a report of a vehicle accident, police found a car stopped near the cement median, with a female driver who was visibly shaken. The driver told police she was not involved in an accident, but that another vehicle traveling west over the bridge had driven over the center median barrier, crossed into her lane of travel and almost struck her head on. Police said the median sign was snapped in half and they found a Dodge wheel cover and other parts of a vehicle nearby. Bristol police reported having a disabled vehicle in their town matching the description. Police said Robert J. Medeiros, 67, of 15 Massasoit Ave., Apt. 19, Bristol, was subsequently charged by Bristol police with driving while intoxicated.

Friday, Dec. 26

A tow truck was called in to help rescue a cat that had gotten stuck under a car at Bay View Estates on West Main Road. At 5:47 p.m. police reported to the apartment complex’s parking lot and met with the driver, Christine Bednarz, who said she was coming back from shopping when she pulled into the lot and heard a cat’s meow. Patrol Officers Patrick J. O’Neill and Jacob Silva were initially unable to free the white and gray cat — it was pinned down above the wheel well and next to the engine block — until Ray’s Towing arrived and lifted the car up with a jack. The cat didn’t appear to be injured but since it had no tags, it was taken to the Potter League for Animals in Middletown.

Two people were charged with domestic assault shortly after police responded to a report of a disturbance at the home they shared at 24 Hargraves Drive at 8:18 p.m. Arrested were Peter C. Tashjian, 57, and his estranged wife, Miriam S. Tashjian, 51. Police received conflicting stories from the Tashjians, who are separated, according to police.

Stephen C. Putnam, 42, of no permanent address, was arrested for domestic assault (third offense) and simple assault, in connection with an incident that allegedly took place at a Portsmouth home on Dec. 24. Police said on that date, an intoxicated Mr. Putnam argued with his girlfriend and then struck her face and shoulders with his hands, leaving visible injuries. A friend of the victim who lives nearby reported the alleged assault after seeing her two days later. Police later found Mr. Putnam outside the friend’s house, where they arrested him shortly after 9:30 p.m. There was also an active Superior Court bench warrant for Mr. Putnam’s arrest, according to police.

A local man said two Apple MacBooks, a wallet with various cards and about $30 in change were stolen in a break-in at his home that may had taken place over the previous two days. Police said the interior basement door window had been broken and its lock undone.

Saturday, Dec. 27

Darrius L. Garner, 20, of 106 Ruggles Ave., Newport, was charged with underage possession of alcohol after police stopped the car he was driving for speeding on West Main Road shortly after 2 a.m. The arresting officer said she found an open bottle of Hennessy in the rear of the vehicle.

A local man told police a three-wheel baby stroller had been stolen from the rear of his home sometime between the night of Dec. 25 and the following morning.

Jose A. Mosquea, 47, of 68 Bourbon St., was charged with violating a no-contact order at 1:10 p.m. Police said they arrested Mr. Mosquea for domestic assault on Dec. 17 and told him on multiple occasions that he couldn’t return to the victim’s home without a police escort. However, the victim reported that Mr. Mosquea had visited the home several times since then, according to police. Mr. Mosquea was arrested when he came into the police station to request an escort to the residence, police said.

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

Sunday, Dec. 28

Mark J. McKenna, 27, of 2431 East Main Road, was arrested on a warrant issued by Newport police in connection with a vandalism charge. Police picked up Mr. McKenna at his home shortly after 4:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 29

A School Department employee, Robert Singleton, reported vandalism to the ball fields at Portsmouth Middle School. Mr. Singleton said someone had driven onto the field and left tire marks.

Wednesday, Dec. 31

Jorge A. Schoen-Cruz, 36, of 576 Park Ave., was charged at about 5:30 p.m. on a Second District Court bench warrant. Mr. Schoen-Cruz was a passenger in a car that was parked in a no-parking zone at Teddy’s Beach, police said.

Dana M. Lyons, 43, of 55 Adams Drive, was charged with domestic assault and domestic vandalism with malicious injury to property. Police made the arrest at 7:42 p.m. after responding to Ms. Lyons’ home to investigate a report of a domestic disturbance. According to police, Ms. Lyons drove her car from her garage into the front of a truck occupied by a man with whom she had been arguing. Then, she got out of her car and jumped on the other driver, police said.

Thursday, Jan. 1

Jennifer L. Dawson, 28, of 1 Dubois St., was charged shortly before 7 p.m. on a bench warrant issued by Second District Court. An officer with knowledge of the warrant arrested Ms. Dawson after seeing her walking into her apartment complex, police said.

James J. Cotta, 51, of 3 North Drive, Portsmouth, was charged shortly before 9 p.m. on a bench warrant issued by Second District Court. Mr. Cotta’s car was stopped near his home because of a loud muffler, police said.

Friday, Jan. 2

Dennis W. Torres, 25, of 2749 East Main Road, was charged at about 3:35 a.m. on a bench warrant issued by Sixth District Court. Police made the arrest at his home while investigating a report of a possible motor vehicle theft.

Shawn P. Myers, 41, of 80 Japonica St., Apt. 3, Pawtucket, was charged on a bench warrant issued by Third District Court for failure to appear. Mr. Myers was a passenger in a car that was stopped on West Main Road at about 11:30 a.m. because the vehicle’s inspection sticker had expired, according to police.

Saturday, Jan. 3

A police officer euthanized an injured deer with his service weapon after it was spotted near a dumpster at Raytheon shortly before 6 a.m. The deer, which was panting and had an injury to its head — possibly from running into a nearby fence — was in obvious distress, police said.

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

Wednesday, Jan. 7

Zachary R. Nguia, 22, of 257 Hillman St., New Bedford, Mass., was charged with operating with a foreign license that had been suspended or revoked. Police stopped his car on West Main Road near Stringham Road shortly before 4:30 p.m. because its headlights were not on. During a records check, police learned that Sixth District Court had issued a beach warrant for Mr. Nguia’s arrest.

A car driven by Sheila Powell of Portsmouth struck the rear end of a horse that was running in the area of 1011 Wapping Road at about 5:20 p.m. Ms. Powell said she was traveling north when she saw a car stopped in the southbound lane, with the driver flashing the vehicle’s high beams. Ms. Powell said she believed the other driver thought her high beams were on “therefore she flicked them back,” police said. As she came close, however, Ms. Powell saw a black horse running out from behind the stopped car and collided with the animal. A man in the area was able to walk the horse back to the stable to have it checked out by a veterinarian. Ms. Powell and a juvenile passenger in her car were not injured, although her car sustained heavy front-end damage, police said.

A vehicle driven by Jessica Veth of Portsmouth struck a deer on Boyd’s Lane at Norseman Drive shortly after 9 p.m. Ms. Veth said she was traveling south when the deer ran out into the road. The animal headed into the marsh toward the Island Park area after the accident, she told police. Ms. Veth was uninjured but her car sustained severe damage to its front end.

Thursday, Jan. 8

Erin E. Catterall, 32, of 150 Rhode Island Boulevard, was charged with domestic assault and domestic vandalism with malicious injury to property. Police made the arrest after responding to Ms. Catterall’s home shortly after 7:30 a.m. for a report of a domestic disturbance. Police said Ms. Catterall struck a man in the face and threw his PlayStation 4 to the ground, damaging it.

Monday, Jan. 12

A male driver was transported by the Fire Department to Newport Hospital following a two-vehicle accident at about 5 p.m. Police said a car driven by Elizabeth O’Shea of Newport was traveling north on West Main Road and was attempting to turn left onto Cory’s Lane when it was struck by a southbound car operated by Clyde Philippe of West Orange, N.J. The O’Shea vehicle was driven into a telephone pole and had to be towed. Mr. Philippe was taken to the hospital for treatment.

PORTSMOUTH — Ever wanted to experience for yourself what day-to-day law enforcement work is like?

You’ll have your chance when the Portsmouth Police Department conducts a Citizens Police Academy starting Tuesday, March 3.

The 10-week program allows citizens to learn and experience the inner world of law enforcement, and a firsthand look at the daily operations of the Police Department.

The training will consist of classroom instruction, demonstrations, tours, as well as hands-on practical applications. Instructors will be members of the Police Department including patrol officers, supervisors and administrators.

Some of the topics to be offered include:

• Uniformed patrol

• Crime scene investigations

• Accident investigations

• Traffic codes

• Harbor patrol functions

• Domestic violence

• DUI enforcement

• Firearms safety

• Mock crime scene scenarios

The classes are open to people 18 years of age or older who live or work in Portsmouth, and have no prior felony convictions.

The 10-week academy will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, March 3 to May 5, at Portsmouth Police Headquarters, 2270 East Main Road.

There is no fee to participate. If you want to take part, download an application here or pick one up in the lobby at the police station. The application deadline is 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13.

Previous applicants should submit an e-mail of continued interest to bpeters@portsmouthri.com by the deadline.

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

Friday, Jan. 16

Kyle M. Atkinson, 25, of 208 Water St., was arrested at his home at 9:45 a.m., shortly after police arrived to serve him an arrest warrant on a charge of entering a dwelling with felonious intent. Police said when they went to the home at 9:15 a.m., Mr. Atkinson ignored orders to open his door and fled downstairs to the basement. Police made a forced entry and took Mr. Atkinson into custody, according to police. Two hypodermic syringes were found in one of Mr. Atkinson’s pockets, police said, as well as numerous discarded packets of what appeared to be heroin and needles and syringes inside the home. In addition to the felony charge of entering a dwelling, he was also charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Saturday, Jan. 17

A 17-year-old Portsmouth boy was charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to submit to a chemical test shortly after 1:30 a.m. Police stopped the Jeep the juvenile was driving after it was reported traveling in the wrong direction on Route 24. Police caught up to the car, still traveling southbound in the northbound lanes, in the area of Sprague Street, police said. When two officers approached the car, they observed that the boy’s jacket, pants and seat were covered in what appeared to be vomit, police said. The operator appeared confused and nearly fell to the ground during a search and subsequent field sobriety test, according to police. Police said they seized a bottle of rum, marijuana and a marijuana pipe with residue from the Jeep.

Marcos A. Miranda, of 11 Malbone Road, Apt. 2, Middletown, was charged by Middletown police with driving while intoxicated after the vehicle he was operating struck a guardrail on Route 24 southbound on the West Main Road off-ramp shortly after 4 a.m. The force of the accident tore the vehicle’s rear bumper and registration plate off, leaving it at the scene, police said. The car continued on West Main Road and was later stopped by police in Middletown.

Police responded to the area of Greylock Drive and Greystone terrace at 10:18 a.m. to investigate a report of illegal dumping. Police found an old couch, a sofa, a pile of wood and a rug discarded in the woods nearby. The town’s Department of Public Works was notified of the trash.

Robert A. Renta, 44, of 25 Valhalla Drive, was charged with assault shortly before 2 p.m. Police said a male juvenile told them that Mr. Renta had put his two hands around his neck, choking him.

Monday, Jan. 19

Joao Oliveira of Belleville, N.J. was injured when the car he was driving struck a guardrail head on in the area of Boyd’s Lane and Anthony Road shortly after 7 a.m. Mr. Oliveira complained of pain and was bleeding from his right eye and mouth following the accident, which he blamed on the icy conditions of the road. He was treated by the Portsmouth Fire Department and released.

Kyle Atkinson

Kyle Atkinson, of 208 Water St., was arrested by Portsmouth police on an affidavit arrest warrant for a charge of entering a building with felonious intent.

According to Detective Lt. A.J. Bucci, the arrest stemmed from a complaint that on Dec. 16, $5,800 worth of jewelry was taken from the unoccupied home of a 53-year-old female victim in the Water Street area. Portsmouth police detectives developed evidence that linked Mr. Atkinson to the victim’s home, Lt. Bucci said.

Police arrested Mr. Atkinson at his home and also executed a search warrant of the premises.

Detectives recovered jewelry and watches as well as heroin, which resulted in Mr. Atkinson also being charged with possession of heroin, Lt. Bucci said. The jewelry was linked to the earlier B/E, he said.

Mr. Atkinson was arraigned in Newport District Court Friday and presented as a violator in Superior Court. He was sent to the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston and is scheduled to appear back in court in Newport today, Jan. 22.

PORTSMOUTH — For some people, even Juno is a reason to party.

As the blizzard picked up steam Monday night, the Portsmouth Fire Department responded to a reported house fire on Green Street in Island Park.

But when they got there, they found something else.

“Engines 1, 2, 3, Squad 1, Car 1, and Car 2 arrived to find some individuals celebrating the storm with a camp fire and maybe some alcoholic beverages,” the department reported on its Facebook page. “Portsmouth Police did issue a citation.”

This morning the fire department reported relatively slow activity compared to when the nor’easter Nemo hit this area in February 2013.

The department responded to a single-car accident with minor injuries, three medical emergencies, and assisted an elderly female who was without heat.

Few power outages

In other news, National Grid was reporting very few power outages as of Tuesday morning, with only a smattering of customers without electricity. A National Grid strike team has been assigned to the emergency operations center at the fire station.

Travel ban

The travel ban remains in effect, according to Portsmouth police. The Mt. Hope, Newport and Jamestown bridges remain closed to all traffic. Drivers are urged to stay off the roads so Public Works employees can clear streets of snow.

Medical personnel in Portsmouth who need to get to work should call police at 683-0300 and they will arrange for your transportation.

The following are exempt from travel restrictions:

• Public safety vehicles and public safety workers, including contract personnel

• Public Works vehicles and employees, including contact personnel

• Government officials conducting official business

• Utility company vehicles and utility workers

• Health care and pharmacy workers who must travel to and from work in order to provide essential health services

• Patients and their caregivers traveling for essential medical procedures

• News media

• Homeless or other shelter workers

• Travel necessary to maintain and deliver critical private sector services such as energy, fuel supplies and deliveries, financial systems and the delivery of critical commodities

• Travel to support business operations that provide critical services to the public, including airports, gasoline stations, grocery stores and hardware stores.

Everyone is reminded to call 911 for emergencies only. Do not call 911 to report power outages or downed power lines. Call National Grid instead at 800/465-1212.

Clements’ closed

Clements’ Marketplace closed Monday at 7 p.m. and plans to remain closed Tuesday.

Meetings rescheduled

Monday night’s scheduled Town Council meeting has been moved to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at Town Hall.

Tonight’s School Committee meeting has been re-scheduled to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at Portsmouth High School.

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

Tuesday, Jan. 20

Richard P. Carnevale, 60, of 25A Pond Ave., Apt. 25A, Newport, was charged with driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to a chemical test, driving after his license had ben suspended and obstructing a police officer in the execution of duties. His car was stopped on East Main Road at Glen Road at about 12:30 a.m. for weaving over the lane divider and fog line multiple times, police said. When asked if he had been drinking, Mr. Carnevale, according to police, said he had consumed two beers and two shots. He also said he could not remember what street he lived on, according to police.

Wednesday, Jan. 21

Luis J. Lill, 20, of 231 Maple Ave., Apt. 1001, Newport, was charged on a bench warrant issued from Second District Court just after 1 a.m. Police stopped Mr. Lill’s car on West Main Road at Stringham Road because it had crossed over the center line.

Friday, Jan. 23

James S. Chowning, 29, of 74 Mountain Ave., Riverside, was charged with driving while intoxicated (first offense) and refusal to submit to a chemical test. Police made the arrest at 1 a.m., after stopping Mr. Chowning’s car for speeding on Route 24 northbound.

Saturday, Jan. 24

Parish M. Perry, 21, of 220 Maple Ave., Newport, was arrested just after midnight on a bench warrant issued from Second District Court. The car he was driving was stopped on Route 24 northbound at Boyd’s Lane after police received a report of a suspicious vehicle that had passed a R.I. state trooper in Middletown earlier.

Amanda M. Ruzzo, 26, of 2749 East Main Road, Apt. 2, was charged with domestic assault and resisting arrest at about 12:30 p.m. Police made the arrest at Ms. Ruzzo’s home after getting a report of a domestic altercation.

PORTSMOUTH — A potential fatality was averted Tuesday morning during the blizzard Juno when firefighters transported an elderly man to the hospital after he was found in the snow outside his home on Mason Street.

When police arrived to the area around 10:30 a.m., they found the man halfway out of his car, which had its trunk open and snow inside.

“We’re not sure if he was trying to clear his car,” said Police Chief Thomas Lee on Wednesday.

The man, who may have been suffering from a medical condition, told police he had been outside since 7:30 p.m. the night before.

Police could not verify that, but Chief Lee said it was clear the man had been exposed to the frigid temperatures for a lengthy period of time.

“I think he was there for a few hours based on the condition of his skin and and his low body temperature,” he said.

“That could have been a fatal incident.”

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

Wednesday, Jan. 28

A vehicle driven by Alden Daley of Swansea struck a deer that had run onto Burma Road at Weaver Cove at about 9:30 p.m. His car sustained minor damage to its left, front headlight and fender.

Friday, Jan. 30

William G. Whitmarsh, 50, of 3106 East Main Road, was charged with assault in connection with an incident first reported on Jan. 20 at his place of work, Patriot Upholstery. Police obtained a warrant and arrested Mr. Whitmarsh there at 1:25 p.m.

Brian B. Dame, 55, of 240 Bristol Ferry Road, was charged with assault at 4:20 p.m. The charge stemmed from a report of an assault that allegedly took place on Musselbed Shoal Road on Jan. 26. A man who reported the incident said he was waiting for his child’s bus to arrive when Mr. Dame drove up and parked next to his vehicle. The man said he rolled down his window and said hello to Mr. Dame, who proceeded to punch him in the face with a closed fist, according to police. Police said they observed a small cut on the man’s upper lip and blood on his chin.

Saturday, Jan. 31

Ian D. Stone, 38, of 2538 East Main Road, was arrested at 12:10 p.m. on a bench warrant issued by Second District Court. An officer with prior knowledge of the warrant made the arrest after seeing Mr. Stone walk up the driveway to his residence.

Sunday, Feb. 1

Brian L. Thompson, 43, of 174 Lepes Road, was charged with driving while intoxicated (second offense) following a two-vehicle accident on East Main Road at McCorrie Lane around 5:20 p.m. There were passengers in both vehicle but no one was hurt, according to police.

Monday, Feb. 2

James F. Addington, 40, of 2787 East Main Road, Apt. 2, was arrested at 5:30 p.m. on a bench warrant issued by Third District Court. A patrol officer with prior knowledge of the warrant arrested Mr. Addington after spotting him shoveling snow in front of his home, police said.

Tuesday, Feb. 3

A vehicle driven by James Rimoshytus of Warren struck and killed a deer on West Main Road in the area of Mail Coach Road shortly before 1:40 a.m. The car sustained minor damage to its driver’s side front fender and side fender.

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

Tuesday, Feb. 3

Susa L. Denomme, 46, of 251 Warren St., Fall River, was charged shortly before 10 a.m. with making harassing or threatening domestic phone calls. The charges stem from an incident on Jan. 16, when police were dispatched to a Willow Lane home for a report of ongoing harassment via text messages. Mr. Denomme allegedly called the home several times, insulted one of the residents, then continued to do so by cellphone texts. A warrant was issued for Ms. Denomme’s arrest and she turned herself into Portsmouth police on Feb. 3, police said.

Wednesday, Feb. 4

Corey D. Rogers, 28, of 16 Prospect St., Apt. B, Bristol, was charged with driving while intoxicated (first offense), refusal to submit to a chemical test and possession of a controlled substance shortly before noon. Police said Mr. Rogers drove his car into a utility pole and the vehicle came to rest on a snow bank on Bristol Ferry Road near Maggie Lane at about 11 a.m.

Police responded to an East Main Road home at 11:30 a.m. a report of a possible rabid raccoon inside the home. The homeowner told police that when she walked into the mudroom, her Boston terrier and a raccoon were face to face, although there was no contact between the animals. The dog was up to date with its vaccines, police said, so there was no need to quarantine the animal. The homeowner was instructed to contact a humane trapper for the raccoon, police said.

Luis A. Almeida, 44, of 122 Hopeworth Ave., Bristol, was charged with driving while intoxicated (first offense), refusal to submit to a chemical test and driving after his license had been suspended or revoked following a two-vehicle accident on Route 24 northbound near Cedar Island around 3 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 7

Luis A. Marty, 31, of 252 Maple Ave., Newport, was arrested at 9:15 p.m. on a bench warrant issued by Third District Court. Police stopped the vehicle Mr. Marty was driving on Route 24 northbound at Sprague Street because its center brake light was not working properly.

Sunday, Feb. 8

Police said “well over 100 to 150 people” were in and about a Blue Bill Way home for a party attended by many underage people. Patrol Officer Scott Sullivan came upon the party while doing a business check on the nearby Island Tap bar on Park Avenue just before 1 a.m. He found a man, with vomit on his face and head, lying in the back seat of a vehicle on Park Avenue and several people fled the area upon seeing the officer, police said. The man in the car led police to a residence behind the Island Tap where they found several students from Roger Williams University, cans of alcohol strewn everywhere and a home in disarray, police said. Police told the partygoers that the incident would be documented and forwarded to RWU and there could be possible further action by police.

Monday, Feb. 9

Albert E. Larson, 27, of 25 Punchbowl Trail, West Kingston, was charged about 4:10 p.m. with injuring or tampering with vehicles. Police responded to the R.I. Department of Transportation (RIDOT) storage facility at 171 Anthony Road for a report of a suspicious male inside a vehicle owned by a RIDOT employee, a Tiverton resident. Police said they found Mr. Larson inside the vehicle, but he was incoherent and unable to explain why he was there. He was taken into custody and later transported to Newport Hospital for evaluation.

PORTSMOUTH — Police say a local man’s frustration with the recent onslaught of snowfall boiled over Saturday night when he attacked a town snowplow with a shovel.

David McAllister, 57, of 95 Holman St., was charged with assault, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and vandalism with malicious injury to property following the incident, which took place in front of his home sometime before 7:30 p.m.

That’s when police responded to the residence after getting a report of a disorderly male. A Department of Public Works (DPW) snowplow driver had made a call over the town-wide radio that a male, later identified as Mr. McAllister, was striking his plow with a shovel and yelling profanities.

The DPW driver told police he made one run down the street and honked his horn to make Mr. McAllister — who was in the vehicle at that time — aware he was in the area.

As the driver made a second pass, Mr. McAllister stopped the plow by walking in front of it and began to shout profanities, police said. He then approached the DPW driver and began to strike the plow and around the window area with his shovel, according to police. The truck’s window was rolled down and the shovel nearly struck the driver, police said.

When police arrived, officers found Mr. McAllister’s vehicle parked mostly in the driveway, but partially in the roadway and obstructing snow removal efforts. The vehicle was running and unattended.

Police went to the residence but did not receive any answer after knocking several times. A short time later, police said, the garage door began to open and police observed Mr. McAllister looking down while he put his shoes on and saying, “I’ll show this (expletive),” before looking up to see police.

Mr. McAllister appeared intoxicated, police said, and officers instructed him to place his hands behind his back and that he was being placed under arrest. Mr. McAllister replied, “No, I don’t want to,” according to police.

A struggle ensued, but the officers managed to get handcuffs on Mr. McAllister and he was placed into a cruiser, police said.

He was later arraigned and released by a justice of the peace and is scheduled for a re-arraignment on Feb. 26.

Police Chief Thomas Lee, who worked in Boston before joining the Portsmouth force, said it’s unfortunately not the first time he’s heard of a homeowner going after a snowplow truck.

“People get frustrated,” he said Tuesday, “But, you can’t just leave your car halfway out in the middle of the street when they’re trying to plow.”

DPW Director David Kehew said he’s been threatened himself while out plowing.

“We come across that. It’s happened before and it will happen again. I had a guy who took a snowblower and blew it right into my cab one time. I got out and explained to him what you can and cannot do,” said Mr. Kehew, adding that the man could have faced felony charges of attacking a public official.

His driver, he added, was shaken up by the incident on Saturday.

“It’s unfortunate because I got a guy I need and rely on. But he’s back out today,” Mr. Kehew said.

PORTSMOUTH — A 39-year-old local woman told police she had been the victim of a scam last week after receiving a telephone call from a man who identified himself as an Internal Revenue Service employee.

In the Feb. 11 call, she said, the man claimed the family owed $2,700 in back taxes and that if she did not pay directly, a warrant would be issued for her arrest and a lien would be placed on her home. The man instructed her to purchase a pre-paid card in the amount of $500 and to call him back with the identification numbers.

The woman told police she went to Cumberland Farms and bought a pre-paid Visa card for $500. Then, she called back the number displayed on her phone — 800/829-1040 — and gave the man the card number.

After learning she had been scammed, the woman contacted Visa to try to stop the transaction, but she was told the funds had already been withdrawn and no refund would be issued. She was provided information to report the incident to the IRS and Federal Trade Commission.

That 800 number, by the way, is the IRS’ actual toll-free assistance line. However, according to an April 2014 Washington Post article, scammers hide their identify by using Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services, which allow phone conversations over the internet.

Using this deception, they can pretend they’re calling locally or, is in this case, from 800/829-1040.

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

Thursday, Feb. 12

A 68-year-old Fall River man told police that he had lost his unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), or drone, which he had been flying from the Sakonnet River Bridge bike path. The man said he lost contact with the drone and it crashed near a marina in Common Fence Point. The man said he was using the drone, valued at about $500, to take video of the bridge. Police said that based on information provided by the drone’s owner, it was unclear if it was being operated in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The owner said the drone was locked and would not be usable by any other person if located.

Alexandria M. Gallucci, 29, of 32 Holliston Ave., was charged at 7:43 p.m. on a bench warrant issued by Second District Court. An officer with knowledge of the warrant made the arrest at Ms. Gallucci’s home.

Maria E. Hassan, 30, of 118 Rogers Lane, Middletown, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, a felony, after her car was pulled over on West Main Road near Raytheon at about 9:30 p.m. because its side and center brake lights were not working properly, police said. During a search of the vehicle, police said they found three Alprazolam pills and five Zolipidem pills as well as a marijuana cigarette.

Saturday, Feb. 14

Dennis W. Torres, 25, of 2749 East Main Road, was charged at 4:25 p.m. with driving after his license had been suspended or revoked and resisting arrest. Police stopped Mr. Torres’ car in the parking lot of Cumberland Farms in the north end of town because there was an excessive amount of snow partially covering the front windshield and completely covering the rear windshield, police said. Police said Mr. Torres became belligerent during his arrest and tensed both arms and refused to place them behind his back. He continued to resist as police attempted to get him into a cruiser, police said.

Sunday, Feb. 15

Joe A. Costa, 44, of 12 Gray Oak Drive, East Freetown, Mass., was charged shortly after midnight on a bench warrant issued from Second District Court. Police stopped his car on Hummock Avenue after it was seen drifting across the lane of travel.

Monday, Feb. 16

Duane A. Gomes, 19, of 47 Cottage Ave., was charged shortly after 2 a.m. on a bench warrant issued by Second District Court. Police learned about the warrant after helping his ex-girlfriend, who earlier called 911 from the Subway on West Main Road because she was in distress from being outside in the cold for 25 to 30 minutes. She told police that she and a man had taken a taxi from Newport to the Portsmouth Mobile Mart. She started walking to Island Park but stopped because it was too cold, police said. One officer transported the man to a residence on Maggie Lane, while another gave the woman a ride to Mr. Gomes’ home, and a records check revealed the warrant against him, according to police. Mr. Gomes told police he was concealing a 9mm firearm at the residence, but when questioned further he said it was an air soft gun. Police found the air gun and confiscated it for safekeeping.

Stephen C. Brockton, 52, of 45 East St., Apt. 1, West Warwick, was charged with violating a no-contact order after he allegedly sent a Portsmouth woman several text messages since Friday. Police said there were two no-contact orders in effect to prevent Mr. Brockton from contacting the woman. West Warwick police had Mr. Brockton in custody at 5:30 p.m. and he was transported to Portsmouth.

Tuesday, Feb. 17

Nicole B. Bessette, 33, of 106 Wilkey Ave., was charged with domestic assault following an incident at her home shortly before 7 a.m.