Rumford Motor Inn receives positive police review of operations

Business will remain on 90-day term for license renewal

By Mike Rego
Posted 5/3/18

EAST PROVIDENCE — Though it remains a concern for elected officials, residents and law enforcement, the Rumford Motor Inn on Newport Avenue received a positive review from East Providence Police Chief …

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Rumford Motor Inn receives positive police review of operations

Business will remain on 90-day term for license renewal

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — Though it remains a concern for elected officials, residents and law enforcement, the Rumford Motor Inn on Newport Avenue received a positive review from East Providence Police Chief Chris Parella at the May 1 meeting of the City Council.

The Inn, which in the past has caused consternation to police and the surrounding neighborhood alike, has improved its relation with law enforcement, the chief said, adding his department continues to view actions at the business with a discerning eye.

Chief Parella was requested to speak on the subject by Ward 1 Councilman Bobby Britto, in whose district the Inn is located. It was part of a 90-day review of the business’ license to operate, usually an annual occurrence instead implemented as a contingency last year during the renewal process. Previously, several area residents had broached the council with their concerns about illegal drug activity taking place at the Inn as well as convicted sex offenders taking up residence there.

Last Tuesday, the chief provided the council with a broad review of his department’s overview of the business. Chief Parella said while the EPPD made “significant” contact with the Inn a “majority” of it was initiated by officers. The chief continued, over a 365-day period police received 202 service calls in the area of the Rumford Inn of which 62 were vehicular stops and 53 were suspected activity. EPPD made 22 arrests on such charges of outstanding warrants, possession of illegal substances, domestic disturbances and receiving stolen goods. He added two of the arrests for illegal possession of firearms.

The calls, the chief explained, “were in the vicinity of the business, but weren’t necessarily generated from the business.”

Of the efforts of Omsairam LLC, proprietor of the Inn, and listed owner Natvar J. Patel, Chief Parella added, “The cooperation we get from the owner is outstanding. He has been proactive…He’s in touch with us constantly.”

Of the number of police responses associated in some way with the Rumford Inn, the chief said, “I don’t think the calls are exorbitant.”

Chief Parella said the presence of sex offenders residing at the Inn during the span has also dwindled because of a concerted effort by ownership to research guests. He did note, however, the Inn can’t legally deny occupancy to sex offenders. And as of last week, Chief Parella noted of the 28 registered offenders, none were currently living at the Inn.

“The owner has exercised good discretion,” the chief added.

When asked about oversight of the business and the Newport Avenue area in general, Chief Parella told the council the EPPD has a “high density” number of patrols, ranging from the presence of regular duty officers to its narcotics division and detectives.

“We’re all over that place anyway,” Chief Parella said, adding as well, “I would say (the Rumford Motor Inn) isn’t a problem we can’t contain right now.”

The Inn will remain for the time being on a 90-day schedule of review of its license to do business.

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MIKE REGO

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.