East Providence Police Arrest Driver Who Skidded Across Freshly Painted American Flag Crosswalk

The follow is a press release from the East Providence Police Department.

The East Providence Police Department has arrested a Johnston man following the vandalism of the newly painted American flag-themed crosswalk on Turner Avenue along the Memorial Day parade route.

Officers responded early Saturday morning after reports that a black BMW intentionally accelerated through the freshly painted crosswalk, leaving two long tire marks across the artwork just one day after it was completed in honor of Memorial Day.

Through neighborhood surveillance footage, resident cooperation, and Flock Safety technology, officers identified the operator as David Cafaro, 32, of Johnston, RI. Cafaro was taken into custody without incident and arraigned this morning in District Court, where he pleaded nolo contendere to Vandalism/Malicious Injury to Property.

As part of the plea, Cafaro was ordered to pay restitution to the City, enter drug counseling, and serve one year of probation.

This marks the third arrest made by the East Providence Police Department involving the defacing or vandalism of a ceremonial painted crosswalk in our city in recent years. Anyone responsible for damaging city property will be identified, arrested, and charged accordingly.