DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

At approximately 8:45 p.m. on March 7, Officer Matthew Levesque responded to the area of 26 Putnam Avenue regarding a motor vehicle accident.

Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the driver of a red Kia Rondo, who stated he had been traveling west on Putnam Avenue when he saw a silver Dodge Grand Caravan stopped in traffic with its left turn signal activated, waiting to turn into the CVS parking lot.

As the driver passed the Dodge on the right, the vehicle made an abrupt right turn with the left turn signal still illuminated and sideswiped the Kia. The patrolman reported that while speaking with the driver of the Kia, he observed the driver of the Dodge, later identified as Gary Zonfrilli, 45, of 35 Putnam Avenue in Johnston, to be stumbling in the parking lot across the street.

Officers then spoke with Zonfrilli, who stated he was traveling west on Putnam Avenue and attempted to make a right-hand turn into the parking lot of 35 Putnam Avenue. He added that as he was attempting to turn right, the passenger side of his vehicle sideswiped the door of the Kia as it was passing on the right.

The patrolman reported that while speaking with Zonfrilli, he allegedly observed a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. The officer also observed that Zonfrilli had difficulty maintaining his balance and showed other signs of intoxication.

When asked for his date of birth, he struggled to respond after multiple attempts. Asked if he had consumed any alcohol or if he was under the influence of any substance, Zonfrilli reportedly replied that he had a couple of drinks.

Zonfrilli was asked to complete a series of standardized sobriety tests, which he refused. Based upon the officer’s training and experience, it was determined that Zonfrilli was unable to safely operate a vehicle. He was then taken into custody, transported to police headquarters where he was booked and processed. He refused to submit to a breathalyzer test.

According to the police report, Zonfrilli repeatedly stated “I am drunk” while being processed.

Zonfrilli was charged with driving under the influence, first offense, refusal to submit to a chemical test, driving with an expired license (fourth offense), operating an unregistered vehicle, improper use of evidence of registration, and failure to signal a turn. He was also a probation violator and held.  Bail was set at $2,000 personal recognizance and he was later remanded to the ACI.

ATTEMPTED LARCENY

Patrolman Nicholas Defelice was dispatched to a Morgan Avenue address on October 10, 2024, at approximately 7:30 a.m. for a report of a larceny from a vehicle. At the scene the reporting party told police their Hyundai Tucson was broken into. Surveillance footage from the residence showed a suspect wearing a gray hoodie, black sweatpants and a mask approaching the car at approximately 4:30 a.m.

According to the report, the vehicle was locked and the ignition assembly was ripped out, indicating the suspect attempted to steal the vehicle. The complainant reported that someone had rummaged through the vehicle's contents, but nothing appeared to be missing. Detectives arrived to process the scene, gathering evidence for further investigation.

Following the investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Carlos Rodriguez, 21, of 337 Point Street in Providence, on charges of attempted larceny over $1,500 and conspiracy.

After the investigation, on March 14, Rodriguez was arraigned in Third District Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was issued a $5,000 surety bail and held at the ACI.