Alert residents and a quick-responding police officer helped stop the attempted larceny of some cash and Christmas gifts late Tuesday night, Nov. 29.

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According to police, an East Providence man had entered vehicles in the area of Hilltop Road and County Road at about 11:30 p.m. and stolen money, gift cards and some Christmas toys.

The Grinch-like act was thwarted, however, when a resident spotted the East Providence man, later identified as 22-year-old David Hedges, sitting inside the Barrington resident's car.

"The resident looked out the window and could see the dome light of his car was on," said Barrington Police Chief John LaCross. 

The resident approached Mr. Hedges and a brief struggle ensued. That was when another resident phoned police for help. He described the scene and told officers the suspect was wearing a red hooded sweatshirt.

Police dispatcher Matt Andrade quickly contacted Patrolman Michael Gregorzek, who was in the area, and told him to look for a man wearing a red hoodie in the area of Hilltop and County.

Patrolman Gregorzek quickly responded to the scene — he spotted a man later identified as East Providence resident David Hedges walking north on County Road. 

The police officer grabbed Mr. Hedges; a search revealed that the East Providence man was carrying $46 in cash and nearly $26 in loose change. It is alleged Mr. Hedges was stealing loose change from area vehicles. Police also said Mr. Hedges had two gift cards and 10 red capsules in his possession.

Back at the scene of the attempted larceny, police found a shopping bag full of toys tossed into some bushes. The next morning a neighbor called police to report that someone had stolen a bag full of Christmas toys from her vehicle.

On Dec. 1, police returned the stolen gifts to the resident.

Police are also asking that all residents in that area of town check and see if any items were missing from their vehicles. 

Police charged Mr. Hedges with tampering with a motor vehicle and larceny under $500. 

Chief LaCross, meanwhile, is praising the work of Patrolman Gregorzek and Dispatcher Andrade. 

"They did a great job," he said. "The dispatcher was calling officers at the same time he was on the 911 call, and he had to tone out a rescue for the resident."