Crime & Safety

Red Bull Bandit Allegedly Strikes Again

The following is based on reports from the Portsmouth Police Department. An arrest does not indicate a conviction.

A Providence man, believed to have stolen Red Bull energy drinks in several Rhode Island communities, has allegedly struck again, police say. 

Craig Kelly, 28, of Providence, was charged by Portsmouth police on March 11 in Second District Court, Newport. He was brought to the court house after being arrested by Middletown police on unrelated drug charges. 

Kelly was wanted by Portsmouth detectives in connection with the alleged theft of Red Bull cases from the CVS Pharmacy on Turnpike Avenue. 

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Police say a man entered CVS Pharmacy on Jan. 29 at 6:40 p.m. The man allegedly filled his shopping cart with 8 to 12 cases of Red Bull four-packs, which were valued at $7.99 each case.

The man then left the store without paying for the Red Bull. 

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An investigation led police to Kelly, who was previously charged in similar Red Bull thefts in at least two other Rhode Island communities, Bristol and Barrington. 

Kelly was charged with shoplifting Monday in Second District Court. 

Similar Red Bull thefts have occurred in Rhode Island in the past year, including this one in North Kingston which made Rhode Island's Most Wanted website. It is unknown if the thefts are related. 


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