One-Man Crime Spree Ends with Chicken Sandwich Theft

Portsmouth Police said they have arrested a man responsible for a recent burglary, iPhone theft and a shoplifting incident earlier in December after they responded to Cumberland Farms on East Main Road on Sunday for a report of a disturbance.

Police said Diosteris Velez has been staying in town as a caretaker and was arrested Sunday after he allegedly fought with another man outside of the Cumberland Farms.

Police charged Velez with simple assault for the fight and officers found a chicken sandwich and dessert in his possession that he reportedly stole from the convenience store, which led to an additional charge of larceny. Additionally, once in police custody, he reportedly earned more charges of disorderly conduct and vandalism for banging his head against and breaking a cell window at police headquarters.

As a result of the investigation, police soon discovered that Velez was the same man who disappeared into a corn maze after stealing an iPhone 6 from a tow truck parked outside the Cumberland Farms on Saturday. They also determined that Velez was the man who broke into an East Main Road house over Christmas and stole two laptop computers, cash and a wallet containing gift cards.

Det. Sgt. Michael Arnold of Portsmouth Police said some of the stolen property was found at Velez’s residence in Portsmouth.

Finally, police said Velez was also charged with shoplifting for a Dec. 15 incident at the same Cumberland Farms when he allegedly stole three $20 lottery tickets and a DVD.

Velez was arraigned by a justice of the peace and is being held at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston after he was unable to post bail.

Police are continuing to investigate.

Photo courtesy: Portsmouth Police Department.