Repeat Offender Arrested on Suspicion of Car Break-ins

Kiefer Woods, 21 of an unknown address was arrested Monday on charges of larceny from a motor vehicle under $1500 and obstructing an officer in execution of duty.  Last year, Woods was arrested in Portsmouth after police said he was allegedly connected to a series of car break-ins.

A witness called the Newport Police Department with the complaint that a man was  going through a car on Calvert Street near Ashust Place. The suspect was described as tall, thin and white.   

Police said Woods was hiding in the bushes when they arrived. Police found knives, lighters, loose change, two butter knives, a folding multi-tool, packs of cigarettes, a screw driver, an Ipod and a flashlight in his pockets. 

He first told police his name was Josh Gilkrest. When asked to spell his last name, police said he spelled it differently four times and allegedly told police it was difficult to spell. He then said his name was John Bernard Woods born August 12, 1999.  When asked why the search turned up a different date, he allegedly said his driver’s license had the wrong date.

He eventually told police he lived with his girlfriend in Warren. The Warren Police Department was able to provide his correct name as Kiefer Woods. 

In May, Newport resident John Florez caught a man on video entering cars after several residents complained about car break-ins on Extension Street and South Baptist Street.  It is unknown if this arrest was related to those incidents.

Newport police remind residents to lock their car doors.  To report an incident, call the Newport Police Department at (401) 847-1306 with any information.

Other Arrests

• Michael Neves, 31, of 153 Fish Road, Tiverton was arrested Monday for violation of a restraining order.
  
  
• Scott Hermann, 53, Newport was arrested Monday on a disorderly fighting charge after police said he was acting disorderly inside George’s Barber Shop on Broadway. Police said he was uncooperative and intoxicated.