Seekonk, East Providence Police arrest two Connecticut men on fraud, chase charges

Pair face multiple counts after allegedly using counterfeit credit cards

Posted 8/8/17

SEEKONK — Seekonk and East Providence Police Department officers apprehended two Connecticut men Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 8, after the pair allegedly attempted to use counterfeit credit cards to …

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Seekonk, East Providence Police arrest two Connecticut men on fraud, chase charges

Pair face multiple counts after allegedly using counterfeit credit cards

Posted

SEEKONK — Seekonk and East Providence Police Department officers apprehended two Connecticut men Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 8, after the pair allegedly attempted to use counterfeit credit cards to make purchases at several area stores.

Brandan Howell, 29, of of Waterbury, Conn., and Christopher Williams, 25, of New Britain, were each arrested on nine counts for their activities during what eventually turned into a motor vehicle chase as well as their initial missteps.

According to a report issued by the office of SPD Chief Craig Mace, at approximately 2:38 p.m. Seekonk officers and detectives were monitoring the activity of two men going store-to-store on Commerce Way. The men were being monitored as it appeared they were using fraudulent credit cards to purchase large amounts of store gift cards.

When the suspects returned to their vehicle in the parking lot, they were approached by a Seekonk Detective and ordered to remain in place. The suspects ignored the Detective’s order, entered the vehicle and began to flee. A pursuit then ensued. While on Commerce Way, the suspect vehicle purposely drove at a Seekonk Police vehicle, fortunately, the Detective was able to counter-maneuver in order to avoid a collision. The pursuit continued on Route 6, westbound, and eventually crossed into East Providence, RI. Shortly after crossing the state line, the suspect vehicle lost control, exited the roadway and collided into signage at the Highland Commons. Contact was also made with a Seekonk Police cruiser.

The suspects then fled on foot and were continued to be pursued by Seekonk Police. With the assistance of the East Providence Police Department, the suspects were apprehended a short time later and taken into EPPD custody as Fugitives from Justice.

The individuals will be extradited back to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to face the following charges, including but not limited to:

1. Fraudulent Use of Credit Card Over $250

2. Larceny by False Pretense Over $250

3. Conspiracy to Commit Felony

4. Forgery

5. Uttering

6. Fail to Stop for Police

7. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

8. Operate Motor Vehicle as to Endanger

9. Other traffic offenses

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A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.