Driver charged after crashing car sought for break-ins

A Rhode Island man faces charges after a motor vehicle crash on North Hixville Road.

According to police, officers were about to pull over 60-year-old Marcellino D. Alves, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on North Hixville Road on December 23, when Alves allegedly took off at a high rate of speed.

Alves then struck a mailbox before losing control and crashing his black Mazda 626 into a tree. He was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital for an evaluation, police said.

Officers were about to pull Alves over because it matched the description of a car allegedly involved in car break-ins in or around the Dartmouth Mall. Police had previously responded to three separate calls regarding cars being broken into in the mall earlier in the day.

Alves will face charges of operating after suspension of his license (sixth offense), negligent operation of a motor vehicle, speed greater than reasonable, marked lanes violation, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in property damage.

The car break ins remain under investigation by police.