Two hospitalized after Dean Parkway crash

Two Massachusetts men were hospitalized following a single-car crash on Dean Parkway on July 20, according to Cranston Police.

Officers who responded to the scene at approximately 3:20 p.m. that day found a black 2005 Audi sedan had been traveling west on the road when it drifted off to the right, striking a tree. The vehicle’s engine compartment subsequently caught fire.

The two occupants – a 35-year-old operator and 34-year-old passenger – were removed from the vehicle by passers-by, according to police. Both were taken to Rhode Island Hospital, the former with serious injuries and the latter with minor injuries.

Cranston Fire Department personnel responded to the scene minutes later and extinguished the blaze.

A statement from police indicates that “officers investigating the crash located evidence that leads them to believe impaired driving may have been the cause of the accident.” The crash remains under investigation by the department’s Traffic Unit.

Man charged in pair of Johnston gas station robberies

A local man has been charged in connection with a pair of gas station robberies that occurred about an hour apart late July 15 and early July 16.

Earl C. Sanford, 40, of 180 Federal Way in Johnston, entered no plea to one count of first-degree robbery and one count of second-degree robbery during his July 16 arraignment in Third Division District Court. He was ordered held without bail.

According to Johnston Deputy Police Chief Joseph Razza, officers responded to a report of a robbery at the Mobil gas station at approximately 11:30 p.m. on July 15. Roughly an hour later, another robbery was reported at the Shell gas station at 525 Killingly St.

According to Razza, police obtained a description of the suspect – who was seen on surveillance video reaching into his shirt as though he was armed – and his vehicle. Sanford was then located and taken into custody at the Shell gas station at 200 Union Ave. in Providence with assistance from Cranston and Providence police.

Shoplifting suspects sought

Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying three suspects in a recent shoplifting incident.

According to a post on the Cranston Police Facebook page, three women entered the Victoria’s Secret location in Garden City Center at approximately 7 p.m. and “stole a large quantity of clothing.” The woman may have left the scene in a black Nissan Altima bearing Massachusetts registration, the post states.

All three suspects are described as black or Hispanic women in their mid-20s. Images of the suspects have been shared on the department’s Facebook page.

Anyone with information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the suspects is asked to contact Detective Bob Lindsay at 477-5142.

-- Daniel Kittredge