Pedestrian struck on Post Road

Details

Created: October 15, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pedestrian struck and seriously injured on Post Road in Warwick.

The Warwick Police responded to a car and pedestrian accident in the area of 717 Post Road at 8:49 PM on October 11, 2014. The Traffic Division’s Accident Reconstruction Team is investigating the accident. The accident involved one vehicle operated by Katelyn Barnes, a 23 year old female from Heath Avenue in Warwick, and the pedestrian, a 44 year old male from Dryden Boulevard in Warwick. The pedestrian was transported to Rhode Island Hospital by Warwick Fire Rescue where at last check he was listed in critical condition with serious injuries. The identity of the pedestrian is being withheld pending notification to his family.

The preliminary investigation has disclosed that the operator of the vehicle was travelling north on Post Road in the area of Spofford Avenue and the pedestrian was crossing Post Road in an easterly direction when the collision occurred. Investigators are continuing with interviews of the driver, as well as attempting to locate any additional witnesses. At this time neither speed nor alcohol appears to be factors in the collision. The pedestrian was wearing dark clothing and due to the time of day the area was fairly dark with minimal lighting. These factors may have played a role in the cause of the collision.

Any person with information related to the accident is requested to contact the Warwick Police Traffic Division at (401)468-4293 or at (401)468-4343.

THREAT AGAINST WARWICK SCHOOLS - UPDATE

Details

Created: October 10, 2014

The criminal investigation into the threat against Warwick Schools continues and after a discussion with Johnston Police Chief Tamburini there are some promising developments. Regarding police security plans for the schools next week, starting Tuesday, October 14th, the Warwick Police Department will be modifying its operational posture. We will not be placing officers in the schools for the duration of the school day but will be having police officers short posted at each school location for both the opening of the school day and for the closing of the school day. During the course of the day these officers will still be responsible for calls for service but will be periodically stopping by schools in their area of patrol conducting walk throughs and greeting the teachers and students. This plan involves the callback of Detective and Community Service personnel to start work at 7:00 AM in order to be at the school in time for the opening time.

If conditions are good and a review of the operational day indicates that everything went smoothly, starting Wednesday, October 15th, the Warwick Police Department will institute a plan called Random Anti-Threat Measures (RAM). This will involve strictly on duty officers who will periodically and randomly choose schools in their area of patrol to stop at to check the schools condition. Officers who come on duty at 8:00 AM will also patrol their schools in random fashion. It is emphasized that police will not be able to be in the schools all the time but we will be using other undercover and deception measures that will create the impression that officers are present at a school to include surveillance measures. The strength of this plan is the random and unpredictable nature of the patrol patterns of the schools that will be a deterrence to any potential threat.

The Warwick School Department can make a value judgment as to the necessity of police presence at after school activities and request a paid detail from the Police Department or consider other security measures.

Colonel Stephen McCartney

SCHOOL THREAT UPDATE

Details

Created: October 09, 2014

The Police Department continues to work closely with our neighboring jurisdictions to investigate the threats made to our public schools.  The investigation into the letter's origin and author remain on-going at this time.  Police Officers will continue to be posted at all city schools, to include private and parochial, on Friday October 10, 2014.  Police presence will be maintained during normal school hours, and directed patrols will occur frequently by officers during non-school hours.  The School Department has been advised of our commitment to the safety of our schools and discussions will continue as to future security plans.  The Police Department understands the concerns expressed by our community and are working diligently to provide a secure environment for our children. 

THREAT TO WARWICK SCHOOLS

Details

Created: October 08, 2014

Due to an unconfirmed, anonymous threat made to schools in several Rhode Island communities, including Warwick, yesterday Mayor Scott Avedisian directed Colonel Stephen McCartney to post police personnel at all of the City’s public, private and parochial schools for the remainder of the week. Mayor Avedisian, Colonel McCartney and Warwick Public Schools Superintendent Richard D’Agostino have been closely monitoring the situation. Avedisian and D’Agostino have been visiting schools throughout the day and will continue to do so throughout the week.  The Police Department is working with other law enforcement agencies to investigate this matter and provide the absolute safest and secure environment for our children.