West Warwick rock thrower strikes again, police pursue suspect

By: Ellie Romano

Email: ERomano@abc6.com

Twitter: @ERomanoABC6

WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) – Another car is damaged after someone threw a baseball-sized rock at moving vehicles in West Warwick.

This is the second time in two weeks an incident like this has happened.

The first assault happened on Halloween night on Washington Street. A large rock was thrown through the driver’s side of a car, seriously injuring the driver.

“It gave me 10 stitches and a broken nose,” said driver Michael Corvese. “I have no idea who did it. I didn’t see anything.”

The latest attack happened Saturday morning on Brookside Avenue, less than a quarter-mile away from the first incident. A rock was thrown through a woman’s rear view window, smashing the glass. The driver and passenger were not injured. 

Police believe they may know who’s behind the attacks.

At the same time as the latest attack, police officers said they saw a 20-year-old man speeding off from the area on an unregistered dirt bike. The man’s face was covered with a shirt.

Police said they attempted to stop the man, but he fled to the nearby bike path. Other officers were able to block his exit but the man attempted to flee on foot. Police eventually apprehended him.

He was charged with reckless eluding, obstructing an officer and operating without a license, along with various traffic violations. 

He was not charged with anything related to the rock throwing.

Police are reviewing surveillance footage in the area and continue to investigate the suspect. 

“People need to be held accountable for their actions. This is very serious,” said Corvese. 

If you know anything about the cases, you’re asked to call West Warwick Police at 401-827-9007.

©WLNE-ABC6/ 2019