Westerly Woman Broke Into Own Cafe, Filed False Report: Police

WESTERLY — The co-owner of 55 Beach Street Cafe faces charges after police said she broke into her own restaurant then falsely reported a crime in an effort to cover her tracks.

Colleen Allard, 57, of 55 Beach St. Apt. 16, on March 4 was charged with breaking and entering into a business with felonious intent and with falsely reporting a crime. She was arraigned at 4th Division District Court and released on $2,000 surety bond. Allard is due in Washington County Superior Court on May 28 for a felony screening, court records show.

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The charges stem from a Sept. 24, 2020 break-in at the breakfast and lunch restaurant, Police Chief Shawn Lacey told The Westerly Sun. Lacey said DNA analysis of blood found at a broken window pointed to Allard, despite the fact that she had reported the incident to police as a random crime.

Allard at about 4 a.m. called dispatchers to report that she had just discovered a broken window and damage to her business and cash register. Allard told police she had discovered the damage after walking from Westerly Hospital. Lacey told The Sun that officers found blood spatter at the site and it was taken as evidence. They also observed cuts on Allard’s hand. On March 2, lab results returned showing a DNA match to Allard, police said.

The Westerly Police Department obtained an arrest warrant based upon evidence, including the DNA results. Lacey said officers believe Allard broke into the business herself before falsely reporting it.