Newport Police Log: Joyride Gone Wrong, Fired Up Over Towed Moped

Michael J. Burrell, 27, of 645 Ten Rod Rd., North Kingstown, was arrested around 1:40 a.m. on Monday, March 5, for driving without consent of owner, first-offense DUI, driving without a license and refusal to submit to a chemical test charges. He also had an active warrant for failure to appear in court.

Police were called for a report of a truck striking a Chapel Terrace unit. According to witnesses, Burrell was seen running from the truck, which had heavy front-end damage from the crash. The truck also struck and caused damage to a parked jeep.

The keys were still in the ignition when police arrived.

A woman came outside and told police “He’s in my house smashing things.” She had gone out with Burrell for drinks earlier that night. When she heard the crash, she went to the door and saw him get out of the truck, reports said. He continued to run inside her home and throw items around her apartment.

Burrell later admitted to taking the truck, which did not belong to him.

The owner said he did not even know the truck was missing until police contacted him. He said he usually left the keys in his truck in case a roommate to move it and that he did not loan his car out to anyone that day.

Towed moped results in arrest

Gary Wilkins, 49, of 195 Admiral Kalbfus Rd., Newport, was arrested around 2:27 p.m. on Monday, March 4, for obstructing an officer and resisting arrest charges.

Police were dispatched to RI Towing for a report of a disorderly man who was upset over his moped being towed.

According to reports, Wilkins was being aggressive towards workers and would not cooperate with police.

The above reports detail arrests made by the Newport Police Department. Descriptions of all events are based solely on police officer reports provided to Patch. 

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