Crime & Safety
Police Arrest B&E Suspect Caught in the Act, Chased off by Startled Homeowner
The Dartmouth, Mass.-man allegedly was chased off by the homeowner after trying to break into a Bristol Ferry Road house earlier this month.
A man who was caught in the act while trying to break into a Bristol Ferry Road house by a started homeowner has been arrested.
Police said Russell J. DeMello, 52, of 7 College Lane, Dartmouth, Mass., was arrested April 27 after Middletown Police picked him up on a warrant issued after an investigation by Portsmouth Police identified him as the B&E Suspect.
The incident occurred on April 18. Police said they were dispatched to the house where a homeowner said he was in his living room when he heard bangs. He then saw a man, later identified as DeMello, kicking the door, causing it to splinter and some of the panes to break.
DeMello then reportedly entered the house and the homeowner shouted at him to leave, eventually chasing him out as DeMello was “growling at him,” according to a police report.
The homeowner watched DeMello get into a red Dodge Durango that was occupied by two other people before leaving the scene.
Police tracked DeMello using the license plate number from the truck. His identity was confirmed using a photo lineup.
Police got a warrant for DeMello’s arrest on April 22. He was turned over to Portsmouth Police by Middletown Police on April 27.
DeMello is being held at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston as a probation violator.
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