CRANSTON, RI — A 38-year-old man was arrested after allegedly attempting to break into multiple homes and barricading himself inside a restaurant freezer on Oct. 23.
Cranston Police responded to 1111 Cranston Street around 2:37 p.m. for reports of a male suspect running in and out of traffic with a knife and attempting to open vehicle doors.
Witnesses reported the suspect ran into Taco Bell at 1010 Cranston Street and barricaded himself inside a kitchen freezer.
Officers safely evacuated the business and took the suspect into custody after a brief struggle.
A large kitchen knife was recovered.
While officers were on scene, dispatch received a call from a juvenile at a Chestnut Hill Avenue residence who said the same suspect had forced his way into his home.
The juvenile scared off the suspect by brandishing a knife.
Through investigation and surveillance footage, the suspect was identified as Thu Chau, 38, of Cranston.
Police said Chau also attempted to enter additional homes on Chestnut Hill Avenue earlier in the day.
Chau was arraigned by a bail commissioner and transported to the ACI Intake Center.
He was charged with breaking and entering a dwelling without consent, two counts of attempted breaking and entering, vandalism, weapons other than firearms prohibited, obstructing an officer in the execution of duty and disorderly conduct.
No injuries were reported.
