EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — A Johnston man has been arrested after allegedly vandalizing a newly painted American flag-themed crosswalk on Turner Avenue along the Memorial Day parade route.
Officers responded early Saturday morning after reports that a black BMW intentionally accelerated through the freshly painted crosswalk, leaving two long tire marks across the artwork just one day after it was completed in honor of Memorial Day.
Through neighborhood surveillance footage, resident cooperation, and Flock Safety technology, officers identified the operator as David Cafaro, 32, of Johnston.
Cafaro was taken into custody without incident and arraigned this morning in District Court, where he pleaded nolo contendere to vandalism/malicious injury to property.
As part of the plea, Cafaro was ordered to pay restitution to the city, enter drug counseling, and serve one year of probation.
The East Providence Police Department said this marks the third arrest involving the defacing or vandalism of a ceremonial painted crosswalk in the city in recent years.
