Warwick Police arrest 75 in 1 year at Motel 6
By Matt Blanchette
Warwick Police are saying enough is enough after criminal activity at a local hotel.
The Motel 6 on
“There is something very bad going on here and that has got to be stopped,” said Colonel Stephen M. McCarthy of the Warwick Police Department.
Folks traveling on 95 see the big sign that advertises “Motel 6, exit here.” Criminals are taking the exit more often than ever. Warwick Police have made 75 arrests in the past year, have been called to the motel 79 times, and have patrolled the location over 1,000 times.
It’s that type of activity that has Mayor Scott Avedisian concerned and asking questions.
“What is enticing that type of behavior at one location in this city? It is important. The crystal meth lab of last week is another example of incredibly bad behavior at one of our businesses.”
Police list two main reasons for the criminal activity, “A combination of location and low price are bringing in a troublesome minority because it provides an easy opportunity to get in and out to do the types of things the colonel has mentioned,” Says Deputy Chief Michael Babula.
Colonel McCartney says Motel 6 management has always been cooperative, but shares this message with them in light of all the crime there:
“All I can tell you is you are on my radar screen right now. And we need to do something. I would rather work with you than against you.”
The city is looking into licenses to see if they can revoke the motel’s license, though they said that is not their first option.
“I don’t want to go out of my way to persecute someone here and have a negative impact by throwing somebody out of business. I want to hit the right medium here. Send the right message so that he is working with us to deter criminal activity,” said McCartney.
The manager of the hotel had no comment on the matter. The Chief also tells ABC6 that most of the people they’ve arrested at the motel in the last year have either come from out-of-city or out-of-state.
© WLNE-TV 2015
