Police: Speeding Led To Capture Of Man Wanted For Home Invasion

PORTSMOUTH, RI — A high speed chase that started in Portsmouth last week, continued through Middletown and Newport. But it was the chase in North Kingstown that finally ended with the arrest of an Exeter man wanted for assaulting and robbing a 60-year-old in his Exeter home. Ryan Joseph White, 19, of Exeter, was spotted at 11:26 p.m. on Feb. 14 in Portsmouth on Route 24 near the weigh station. He was allegedly traveling 74 mph in a 50 mph zone, and the officer tried to stop him, Det. Lt. Matthew Arnold said.

White ignored the police siren and blue lights, police allege, and the chase continued. At the Town line, Middletown police took over the chase, until White sped into Newport. By that time, Portsmouth and Middletown had both broken off the pursuit. North Kingstown police finally stopped him and charged him.

But the North Kingstown pursuit was for moving violations, Lt. Det. Commander Jeffrey St. Onge, of the North Kingstown , said.

"North Kingstown Police attempted to stop Mr. White for moving violations and after a short pursuit Mr. White pulled over," he said. "During that investigation, North Kingstown Police learned that Mr. White was pursued by Portsmouth and Middletown police before the North Kingstown pursuit. After further investigation by North Kingstown Police and Rhode Island State Police, Mr. White was charged with possession of handgun; and possession of stolen handgun."

Portsmouth police also charged him with reckless driving; and eluding an officer with a motor vehicle in a high speed pursuit. He was also cited for speeding and other traffic violations. White was arraigned on the Portsmouth charges in Newport on Feb. 16.

State police also charged White with robbery.

White, 19, is one of three accused of a Feb.10 assault and robbery. He and a juvenile forced their way into a home on South County Trail in Exeter, state police allege. They stole $4,000 cash, marijuana and a handgun, state police said. Troopers charged White and the juvenile on Feb. 16 in connection with the home invasion. White was arrested at 9:15 p.m. at the North Kingstown Police Department.

A third teen from Coventry, Jarod R. Bourbonniere, 19, was also charged. State police say he drove the getaway car. Troopers arrested him on Feb. 17.

Bourbonniere and White are accused of Breaking and Entering (a dwelling of a person 60 or older when resident on the property); First degree robbery; Assault on a Person 60 or older causing bodily injury; and Larceny of a firearm. Bourbonniere was also charged with four counts of Conspiracy. The juvenile was referred to Family Court. He was also arrested Feb. 16.

Patch will update this story.