4 North Kingstown Stores Broken Into In 'Smash And Grabs'

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI — Four businesses in North Kingstown were broken into early Monday morning in "smash and grabs," according to police.

Around 2:50 a.m., police were called to the Five Below store at 86 Gate Road for a reporting of an active break-in. When officers arrived, they found the store's front window smashed and noticed a cash register was missing.

A witness told police the suspect drove away in a black SUV. While investigating the break-in, police said an officer found a black SUV that matched the witness's description driving on Post Road. The officer attempted to pull over the driver, but they sped away, according to police. Police said the chase was ended for public safety.

A short time later, the SUV was found crashed into the AMTRAK building at 912 Ten Rod Road. Police said the vehicle was empty when officers found it.

The crash knocked out power to the surrounding area due to it having struck an electrical guide wire. The building was unoccupied at the time of the crash, and no injuries were reported.

Narragansett police and Rhode Island State Police helped in the search for the suspect. State troopers found a man near the crash site who refused to identify himself or answer questions, according to police. The man was taken into custody, was charged with obstruction, and was transported to the North Kingstown Police Department.

Police have not released the suspect's identity, as the investigation remains active.

During the investigation, North Kingstown police learned three other businesses were also broken into in town. They include:

• Yorktown Market, 6769 Post Road
• Smoxy Smoke Shop, 6172 Post Road
• Kingstown Mobile, 6228 Post Road.

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