Tiverton Police: Crank Caller Arrested Again, Resisting Arrest and DUI

A Tiverton woman charged in December and January with making crank or obscene phone calls was arrested again last week, this time for allegedly calling a local business repeatedly.

Marie Van Cala, 57, of 32 Cala Ave., Tiverton, was arrested by police at 9:32 a.m., Friday, Feb. 10. She was charged with making crank or obscene phone calls and violating a no contact order.

The victim called dispatch to say report that he has been receiving numerous calls from Van Cala during the day at his place of business. He alleged that she called multiple times in an annoying, harassing manner. Van Cala was later arrested and Jones added there was an active no contact order against her from the victim.

Man allegedly resists arrest outside local bar

James M. Murray, 30, of 301 Bulgarmarsh Road, Unit 18, Tiverton, was arrested at 12:45 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 12, at Lil Bear Lounge on Main Road. Murray was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Police responded to the bar after midnight for a report of a fight in progress, said Lt. Patrick Jones. An officer spoke with the bartender who said there was no issue because the two people involved left before police arrived. Jones said the officer was approached by a second employee who said one of the people involved was sitting in the bar's rear deck. Police approached the man, identified as Murray, and questioned him about his involvement in the fight.

Jones said police observed Murray attempt to leave the bar and walk toward his vehicle, and suspected he was under the influence.

"He violently pulled away from the officers," Jones said.

As the officer attempted to talk to Murray about the fight, Jones said Murray pulled away, yelling "get off me" and kept walking away. He was then placed under arrest.

DUI

Dori Drowne, 46, of 395 Highland Road, Tiverton, was arrested at 10:39 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8, on Route 24. She was charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, possession of marijuana (first offense) and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license.

Jones said an officer posted on Route 24 observed a vehicle drive by at 78 miles per hour in a posted 55 and commit several roadway violations weaving in and out of her lane. The officer pulled her over and suspected the driver, Drowne, was under the influence. Jones said she performed several field sobriety tests, which she failed. She was taken to Newport Hospital where she completed a chemical test, and was held pending arraignment.

Jones noted that during inventory, police found a pill crusher on Drowne's purse with a silver grinder containing a green leafy substance. In another pocket, police found a baggie containing suspected marijuana.

Alleged crank caller

Gina Ruggieri, 35, of 85 Cornell St., Cranston, was arrested at 11:10 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8. She was charged with making crank or obscene phone calls. Jones said police received a complaint on Jan. 29 from a woman stating she was receiving calls from her ex-boyfriend's current girlfriend late at night and in the early morning hours. He said the victim reportedly received numerous calls and texta of a "threatening and vulgar nature." Based on that a warrant was prepared and Ruggieri was picked up by North Providence police on Feb. 8 and transported to Tiverton for processing.

Violation of no contact order

A 12-year-old Tiverton boy was arrested at 7:20 p.m., Monday, Feb. 6 at Tiverton Middle School. He was charged with a violation of a no contact order. Jones said there was reportedly an event in the school gym and the 12-year-old was sitting in the bleachers approximately 10 feet from a 14-year-old boy who had an active no contact order against him. The 12-year-old was escorted from the gym, turned over to his parents, brought to the police station and the matter was referred to the juvenile hearing officer.

Warrant arrests

• Laura Pedro, 31, of 212 First Ave., Apt. 2, Woonsocket, was arrested at 3:27 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 12. She was taken into custody based on a warrant for failure to appear in court. Jones said she was picked up by state police and the warrant dates back to 2001 for allegedly issuing fraudulent checks in small amounts.
• Michelle Sando, 21, of 24 Ellen Lane, Tiverton was arrested at 6:37 p.m., Monday, Feb. 6. She was taken into custody based on an outstanding arrest warrant at the University of Rhode Island in South Kingstown.
• Gregory P. Alleva, 36, of 57 Shove St., Tiverton, was arrested at 2:59 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10. Alleva was taken into custody based on an oustanding bench warrant issued from Sixth District Court and an outstanding bench warrant issued in Third District Court.