Three Charged for Attempting to Loot Newport Coin Machine

Two men and a 17-year-old boy were charged with breaking and entering, vandalism and other charges for allegedly trying to pry open a cash machine at the Festival Field apartment complex early Monday morning.

Police said the juvenile, along with Xavier Vaughn Perry, 22, of 222 Maple Ave., Newport; and Jaquan B. Johnson, 18, of 90 Girard Ave., Newport, were arrested by police after they tried to run from the scene.

According to a police report, police surrounded the laundry room at around 2:35 a.m. after a report of people inside the room trying to pry open the cash machine with a pry bar.

Police set up a perimeter around the location. A nearby officer reported hearing voices and loud metal banging sounds in the laundry room. He could also clearly see two men in the room standing near the coin machine. One, identified as the juvenile, was holding a blue crowbar and trying to pry the machine open.

Johnson was standing near the door, holding it open.

Police, believing that the suspects were about to leave, announced their presence.

All three scattered and tried to run away. Johnson was stopped nearby after police warned that he would be shot with a TASER. Police reported using force to get his hands behind his back and get on a pair of handcuffs.

Perry was captured a short distance away. The juvenile was located hiding in prickly bushes in a nearby wooded area.

In the laundry room, police said the culprits had put a sock over a security camera before attempting to pry open the machine.

Their efforts caused damage to the money machine, which was left with a rock wedged in the door to keep it open. It appeared that the suspects would have been able to reach inside to remove money, but police were unable to determine if any was taken. A total of $85 was found on Johnson, but it was unclear if that money came from the machine.

The juvenile was charged with breaking and entering, violating a Family Court order, obstruction of justice and vandalism. Police also reported finding two EBT cards belonging to other people in his possession.

Perry was charged with breaking and entering, vandalism and obstructing a police officer.

Johnson was charged with the same crimes, along with a charge of resisting arrest for the scuffle with police. He was also cited for marijuana possession after police found a small bag. 

All three were held for arraignment later on Monday.