Burger King heist investigated

Police continue to investigate a robbery that occurred just after midnight on July 26 at the Burger King on Reservoir Avenue.

Maj. Todd Patalano said staff members at the restaurant were preparing to close for the night when an unidentified subject – described as wearing a gas mask and hooded sweatshirt – entered the store, gained access to its safe and took an undisclosed amount of money. The subject then fled the Burger King heading toward the rear of Walt’s Roast Beef, which is located across Norfolk Street.

Patalano said the subject did not encounter any employees during the incident and no weapon was shown. Detectives are currently following up, he said.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Cranston Police at 942-2211.

Firearm stolen from vehicle

The theft of a firearm from a parked car on Norwood Avenue is under investigation, according to Cranston Police.

In a statement posted on Facebook Monday, police say the incident occurred July 26.

“Home security footage from a nearby location picked up a tall, heavyset white male rummaging through cars during the time the firearm was stolen,” the statement reads.

An image of the subject has been circulated on social media, and police are asking anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Detective John Ryan at 477-5066 or jryan@cranstonpoliceri.com. Tips can also be submitted anonymously via the department’s website, cranstonpoliceri.com.

Swimmer dies in Warwick

Police have identified a man who went missing while swimming off Conimicut Point on Saturday and was pronounced deceased after being pulled from the water by rescuers.

Joseph Gillespie, 57, of Auburn, Massachusetts, was taken to Kent Hospital after being located by Warwick Police and Fire personnel and members of the Narragansett Bay Marine Task Force, according to Chief of Police Col. Rick Rathbun.

The chief said Warwick personnel responded to the scene at approximately 3:22 p.m. Saturday. He said Gillespie had been reported missing by a woman who accompanied him to Conimicut.

“We don’t suspect any foul play,” he said.

Rathbun said it remains unclear whether Gillespie had entered the water from Conimicut Point – a location that is known to be hazardous – or from the nearby swimming area. It is also unclear whether a lifeguard was on duty. The matter remains under investigation.

Man charged in fatal crash

A Warwick man has been charged in connection with a fatal car accident that occurred two months ago in West Warwick.

Keith R. Jensen, 27, was arrested Friday on charges of driving under the influence, death resulting, and driving to endanger, death resulting. He was arraigned that day in Third Division District Court and ordered held on $10,000 bail with surety. A felony screening is scheduled for Oct. 7.

A release from West Warwick Police indicates that Jensen was involved in a head-on motor vehicle crash that occurred May 25 on Providence Street. The crash resulted in the death of 80-year-old Ferial Alrefai of West Warwick.

Police said the charges against Jensen resulted from an “extensive investigation” that included assistance from the attorney general’s office, Rhode Island State Police and the Department of Health.

-- Daniel Kittredge