After Knife-Wielding Suspect Hides in Taco Bell Freezer, Cranston Police Make Arrest

After Knife-Wielding Suspect Hides in Taco Bell Freezer, Cranston Police Make Arrest

Cranston Police announced that an arrest has been made following a series of attempted home and vehicle break-ins in the city. 

According to police, on October 23 at approximately 2:37 PM, officers were dispatched to the area of 1111 Cranston Street for reports of a male subject running in and out of traffic while armed with a knife and attempting to open vehicle doors. 

Upon arrival, officers were informed by witnesses that the suspect had entered the Taco Bell restaurant located at 1010 Cranston Street, where he barricaded himself inside the kitchen freezer. 

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Police said officers immediately evacuated the business and established a perimeter around the freezer area for public safety. 

 

Suspect Apprehended

After repeated verbal commands for the suspect to surrender went unanswered, officers entered the freezer and successfully took the suspect into custody following a brief struggle. A large kitchen knife, believed to have been wielded by the suspect, was recovered inside the freezer. 

While on scene, police said that dispatch received a call from a juvenile resident of 55 Chestnut Hill Avenue,  who reported that an unknown male, matching the description of the suspect in custody, had entered his home moments earlier by forcing his way through the front door. 

Police say that the juvenile, who was home alone, was able to scare the suspect off by brandishing a knife in self-defense. 

Through investigation and review of video surveillance, officers identified the suspect as Thu Chau, age 38, of 71 Chestnut Hill Avenue, Cranston.

Further investigation revealed that  Chau had also attempted to enter residences at 49 Chestnut Hill Avenue and 27/29 Chestnut Hill  Avenue earlier in the day. 

 

Charges and Immigration Status

Chau was arraigned by a bail commissioner at Cranston Police Headquarters on the following charges and transported to the Adult Corrections Intake Center, and will be presented in Third  District Court in Warwick this morning for formal arraignment: 

• (1) Count – Breaking & Entering a Dwelling House Without Consent
• (2) Counts – Attempted Breaking & Entering a Dwelling House Without Consent 
• (1) Count – Vandalism/Malicious Damage to Property 
• (1) Count – Weapons Other Than Firearms Prohibited 
• (1) Count – Obstructing an Officer in the Execution of Duty 
• (1) Count – Disorderly Conduct 

Photographs and surveillance footage were obtained as evidence. No injuries to civilians or officers were reported, said police. 

Chau, a Vietnamese national, was ordered for removal as a deportable alien by ICE officials in Rhode Island and Maine in 2007 and 2020, respectively, and has been arrested on five occasions in Rhode Island before yesterday's incident. 

Cranston Police Department said it is working closely with ICE in Providence relative to the most recent arrest. 

“I commend the swift and professional response of our officers, as well as the cooperation of residents and local business staff, which resulted in the safe apprehension of the suspect. The Cranston Police Department remains committed to working collaboratively with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to identify and remove dangerous individuals who are in the United States illegally. We will continue to dedicate all necessary resources to support this shared public safety mission," said Colonel Michael J. Winquist.