East Providence Man Charged In MA Car Dealership Break-In

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — An East Providence man was arrested Thursday in connection to a break-in at a Swansea car dealership, followed by a police pursuit on foot.

Biron Gabriel Chalas-Lopez, 18, of East Providence, was charged with two counts breaking and entering into a motor vehicle during the daytime with intent to commit a felony, malicious damage to a motor vehicle, malicious destruction of property over $1200, trespassing, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, two counts of receiving a stolen motor vehicle, resisting arrest and receiving stolen property under $1200.

On Wednesday evening, police were called to Brad's Auto on G.A.R. Highway for a report of someone driving through the fence. No suspect was found.

But then around 8:20 a.m., Thursday, police were called back to the dealership after someone reported a suspicious man. Police said the man, later identified as Chalas-Lopez, was trying to break through the gate to the impound yard. A witness told police they saw Chalas-Lopez head towards Best Choice Auto at the intersection of G.A.R. Highway and Bushee Road.

Police said they found Chalas-Lopez on Bushee Road, which caused hm to run away behind a house and into the woods behind Best Choice Auto.

Shortly after beginning the search, officers said they found Chalas-Lopez in a thorny area of the woods. After a brief struggle, officers arrested Chalas-Lopez, police said. Chalas-Lopez nor any police officers were injured during the struggle.

Police said they searched Chalas-Lopez and found a BB gun and a key fob to a vehicle belonging to Brad's Auto. Police said Chalas-Lopez was responsible for both Wednesday's and Thursday's break-ins.

Chalas-Lopez was scheduled to be arraigned in Fall River District Court Thursday.