East Providence Police arrest former Councilman Faria on District Court warrant

Failed to appear at pretrial conference pertaining to alleged hit-and-run accident

By Mike Rego
Posted 1/11/19

EAST PROVIDENCE — A day after a District Court warrant was issued for his arrest, former Ward 4 City Councilor and Riverside resident Brian Faria was taken into custody by East Providence Police Thursday …

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East Providence Police arrest former Councilman Faria on District Court warrant

Failed to appear at pretrial conference pertaining to alleged hit-and-run accident

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — A day after a District Court warrant was issued for his arrest, former Ward 4 City Councilor and Riverside resident Brian Faria was taken into custody by East Providence Police Thursday afternoon, Jan. 10, after he unexpectedly showed up at City Hall at a time when officers were there taking part in Municipal Court proceedings,

According to East Providence Police Chief Christopher Parella, Lieutenant Mark Cadoret and Officer Craig Sroka apprehended Mr. Faria on a warrant for failure to appear for a pretrial conference stemming from the former councilman’s alleged involvement in a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on November 24 of last year.

Chief Parella said officers arrested Mr. Faria and transported him to EPPD headquarters on Waterman Avenue where he was processed. The chief said Mr. Faria posted $1,000 bond and was provided a date to reappear in District Court for the previously scheduled pretrial conference.

Details from the initial report of the incident state at approximately 8 p.m. on November 24, 2018, EPPD officers were called to the scene of an accident on the ramp leading to Interstate 195 from Warren Avenue. The operator of one vehicle was stopped after being “abruptly rear ended” by a second car. The first vehicle suffered minor damage to the rear bumper. No injuries were reported at the time of the accident.

The striking vehicle, identified as a black Cadillac with Rhode Island license plate XE-509, was later found to be registered to Mr. Faria. The aggrieved party alleged the driver of the Cadillac fled the scene after the incident occurred.

Following further investigation, EPPD Detective Corporal Matthew McNulty and Officer Tyler Elmasian the day after the incident compiled a photo lineup for a witness to possibly decipher the driver of the striking vehicle. The witness, the passenger in the damaged car, positively identified a picture of Mr. Faria included in the spread as the alleged suspect in the crash.

The EPPD eventually issued Mr. Faria a citation through the mail for “operating without evidence of insurance and intervals between vehicles (following too close).” Also, a warrant was sought by police charging Mr. Faria with “Duty to Stop - Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Attended Vehicle).” He was originally scheduled to be arraigned on December 11, 2018.

The District Court bench warrant for failing to appear at the pretrial conference was issued Wednesday, Jan. 9. Chief Parella said it is customary for his officers to daily be aware of any open warrants, so when Mr. Faria suddenly appeared at City Hall, they notified headquarters and followed protocol in conducting the arrest.

Mr. Faria, who served one term on the council, opted against running for re-election last year.

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