Police: Portsmouth man found sleeping in stolen car

Edward J. Francis also charged with stealing generator, lawn mower

Posted 5/20/18

PORTSMOUTH — A local man was arrested last week after allegedly stealing a car, lawn mower and generator earlier this month, according to police.

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Police: Portsmouth man found sleeping in stolen car

Edward J. Francis also charged with stealing generator, lawn mower

Posted

PORTSMOUTH — A local man was arrested last week after allegedly stealing a car, lawn mower and generator earlier this month, according to police.

The story begins on May 2, when police responded to 60 Massachusetts Boulevard around 4 p.m. to investigate a report of a larceny, Detective Lt. Michael C. Arnold stated in a press release.

Witnesses told police that a man later identified as Edward J. Francis, 40, of 108 Dighton Ave., Apt. 2, was seen taking a generator and lawn mower out of a shed and placing it in a vehicle. 

The property was later recovered at a Fall River pawn shop, with the seller identified as Mr. Francis, Lt. Arnold said. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

On May 4 at about 3:15 p.m., officers responded to 46 Kensington Ave. for a report of a stolen vehicle, he said. The resident told police that Mr. Francis had broken into his home, took keys to several vehicles and left the area in his vehicle, Lt. Arnold said.

In the early morning hours of May 6, the same resident reported his vehicle had been returned, but another vehicle he owned had been stolen, Lt. Arnold said.

A “be-on-the-lookout” call was sent to Fall River Police and the vehicle was later recovered — with Mr. Francis asleep inside, police said. He was charged in Fall River as being a fugitive of justice based on the Portsmouth Police warrant, Lt. Arnold said.

On Thursday, May 17, Mr. Francis was transferred by the R.I. Sheriff’s Office from the Bristol County Jail in Dartmouth to Portsmouth Police. He was arraigned on Friday, May 18, in 2nd District Court in Newport.

Mr. Francis also faces additional charges in a robbery in Central Falls, according to Lt. Arnold.

Portsmouth Police Department, arrests, crime news

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