Providence Local News - ABC News Radio

North Smithfield Police Make Significant Drug Bust

Matt Siegelheim — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:17:58 +0000

(NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI.) -- North Smithfield Police have arrested a man after a long investigation, leading up to a drug bust Monday night.

Wayne Simon, 35, was arrested at his home Monday evening, on charges of manufacturing, possession and delivering marijuana and cocaine. Over $29,000 in cash and more than $30,000 worth of drugs were seized.

He was also charged with disorderly conduct and assault on a police officer for trying to fight off the arresting officers. The officers weren't seriously injured.

Police say Simon has an extensive record in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, dealing with both drugs and assault.

Simon was arraigned on the charges Tuesday morning in Providence District Court.

Funeral Director's License Suspended

Matt Siegelheim — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:46:58 +0000

(PROVIDENCE, RI.) -- The license of Todd Lauzon, a funeral director in Woonsocket, has been suspended by the Rhode Island Department of Health for allegedly cremating a body and burying the ashes in a cemetery without a permit.

Lauzon, who operates the T. Lauzon Funeral Home, sent a written apology to the board of health and admitted he failed to obtain a permit, but was able to produce paperwork that included a cremation order.

The Department of Health said Lauzon has the right to request a hearing.

Two Local Police Officers Hurt Issuing Warrant

Matt Siegelheim — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:08:16 +0000

(NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI.) -- Two North Smithfield police officers were injured Monday night in an attempt to issue a search warrant.

According to North Smithfield police, there was an ongoing narcotics investigation at a home on Iron Mine Hill Road. When police attempted to issue a warrant, a fight broke out between an occupant of the home and officers. The officers were injured as a result of the scuffle.

A suspect and officer were taken to a local hospital for injuries. The suspect was released, but then taken into police custody.

New I-95 On-Ramp Opens This Week

Tara Howard — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:25:45 +0000

(PROVIDENCE, RI.) -- The Broad Street replacement on-ramp to I-95 South is scheduled to open this week. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has announced the new ramp designed to serve the area of Point Street and West Franklin Road will open Thursday.

RIDOT advises drivers to take a little time to review the route and be ready for the changing traffic pattern. This is just one element of the ongoing Iway project, I-95 South to I-195 East. It follows the October opening of its northbound counterpart and numerous changes to city streets to establish a one-way traffic circulator along the I-95 corridor through town.

The project is designed to improve highway access to and from The Jewelry District, Downcity, the West End and South Providence. On November 22nd, RIDOT plans to close the temporary on-ramp from Blackstone Street, off Allens Avenue, to I-95 South. That ramp was always meant to be temporary, to ease traffic during replacement of the Broad street access.

Attleboro Nail Salon Owner Injured in Shooting

Matt Siegelheim — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:32:52 +0000

Photo Courtesy - WLNE-TV(ATTLEBORO, Mass.) -- The owner of Top Nails in Attleboro, Henry Vo, was injured after shots were fired through the windows of his nail salon. The incident occurred on Pleasant Street around noon Saturday.

According to witnesses, a man with a gun fired shots which injured the owner, but it is unknown if Vo was struck by a bullet or cut by flying glass.

Police say Vo and the gunman exchanged words outside the salon and warned people inside the salon to duck just before the shots were fired.

Vo chased the gunman on foot, but failed to catch him. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with non-life threatening injuries to his right arm.

Wake Held for Local Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

Matt Siegelheim — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:47:46 +0000

(NEWPORT, RI.) -- Hundreds gathered Sunday to pay their respects to a local hero who lost his life in Afghanistan while serving his second tour of duty. The wake Sunday occurred two days after his body had been flown to the United States.

Sgt. Michael Paranzino, a Middletown native, was killed Nov. 5 by an improvised explosive device.

Paranzino leaves behind a wife, two children, a brother and his parents.