West Marine Employee Reports Returned Merchandise Scam

Monday, January 31

10:24 a.m. - An 85-year-old Division Street resident reported that a man she hired to do tree work on her property has been making threatening calls to her because she did not pay him for the work. She said she did not pay him because she was not satisfied with the job.

Thursday, February 3

9:01 a.m. - Police reported that the mirror on Crompton Avenue near the entrance to the wastewater treatment plant had been damaged. According to a police report, it appeared that someone had thrown something at the mirror.

Friday, February 4

6:13 p.m. - A Middle Road resident reported that her future ex-son-in-law was making harassing phone calls and continually driving by her house. Her daughter is in the process of divorcing the suspect.

Saturday, February 5

1:25 a.m. - Police arrested Michael O'Brien, 46, of Crompton Avenue, on First Avenue for driving under the influence of alcohol. While dealing with another motorist who had been pulled over on Division Street, an officer saw the man drive into a snow bank and then drive away. The officer then pursued the vehicle and the man pulled over on First Avenue. According to a police report, the man could not stand up without the help of the officer. He was taken to the police station where he was charged with driving under the influence. He was then taken to Kent Memorial Hospital because he said he wanted to seek professional help.

8:26 a.m. - Police reported that a private plow operator had caused a road hazard by piling snow in a median. The Department of Public Works corrected the hazard.

12:15 p.m. - An employee of West Marine reported that a man had bought a GPS devise worth $839.99 and then later returned it for a cheaper model and was given the difference in cash. The employee later discovered the GPS that was returned was not the one that was purchased earlier in the day.

Sunday, February 6

2:30 a.m. - Police cited Joseph Broomhead, 38, of Jamestown, on South County Trail for driving with a suspended license and driving a vehicle with a suspended registration.

1:30 p.m. - A 78-year-old Maplewood Drive resident reported that the father of his granddaughter had entered his house and broke his son's eye socket by punching him repeatedly. The two men told police, according to a report, that they feared for his daughter's and his granddaughter's safety. The men declined to press charges.