News Summary
Three men have been arrested in Cranston for allegedly being part of a South American Theft Group. Local residents reported suspicious activity, leading police to stop a vehicle that was circling the neighborhood. Upon investigation, multiple burglary tools and other suspicious items were discovered. The suspects face various charges, highlighting the importance of community vigilance against organized crime. As investigations continue, local police remain focused on addressing ongoing theft concerns in the area.
Cranston – Police in Cranston have arrested three men allegedly connected to a South American Theft Group following suspicious activity reports from local residents. The arrests took place on Wednesday evening around 6:36 p.m. on Uxbridge Street, where a BMW SUV with Virginia plates was seen repeatedly circling the neighborhood.
Witness accounts described a man wearing a camouflage hoodie and a full face mask, which raised alarms about potential reconnaissance for a burglary. Residents documented the suspicious circumstances, providing video footage and vehicle information to law enforcement.
Approximately an hour after the initial reports, a police officer spotted the BMW and initiated a traffic stop. This led to a brief pursuit, but the vehicle ultimately came to a halt. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers instructed the three suspects to exit, where they observed a scanner in plain view. Subsequent searches yielded various items including:
- Five cellphones
- Two black face masks
- Zip ties
- Multiple burglary tools (screwdrivers, pliers, pocketknife)
- Additional equipment like flashlights and a monocular
- A high-capacity USB power bank
- $21 in U.S. currency
- Assorted clothing and bags, including Nike and Gucci items
The arrested individuals have been identified as Sergio Rodriguez Lopez, 36, of Elizabeth, New Jersey; Jorge Cajamarca Pena, 49, of Flushing, New York; and Felipe Quitian, 19, of Livingston, New Jersey. Both Lopez and Pena are Colombian nationals with extensive criminal histories involving theft and burglary. Quitian is also suspected of being connected to the same theft group.
The trio faces multiple charges. Lopez is charged with attempted breaking and entering, conspiracy, possession of burglary tools, being a felon in possession of a scanner, and being a fugitive from justice. Pena has similar charges, including attempted breaking and entering, conspiracy, possession of burglary tools, and felon in possession of a scanner. Quitian faces charges for attempted breaking and entering, conspiracy, and possession of burglary tools.
All three men were processed through the court system. Lopez was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond and subsequently transferred to Connecticut authorities. Pena and Quitian were held, with bail set at $10,000 for each. Notably, Quitian is under a detainer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This operation underscores the importance of community vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement in addressing rising crime rates. With the ongoing concern regarding theft and burglary by organized crime groups, the swift response by Cranston residents has proven vital. The authorities continue to investigate the extent of the suspects’ activities and their potential connections to additional burglaries in the area.
Earlier in the morning on Friday, in a related but separate incident, a Pawtucket man named Addison Britto, 31, was arrested around 6:30 a.m. under a warrant for robbery and disorderly conduct. His arrest was made by the Violent Fugitive Task Force and was executed without incident. He was later transferred to the Cranston Police Department for processing.
The apprehension of these individuals reflects ongoing efforts by local police and task forces to combat organized theft groups that exploit neighborhoods across the region.
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Additional Resources
- Turn to 10 News
- GoLocalProv
- WPRI
- ABC6 News
- Providence Journal
- Wikipedia: Theft
- Google Search: Cranston crime news
- Google Scholar: Organized crime theft
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Burglary
- Google News: Cranston police arrests
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