Rhode Island man facing list of charges after carjacking, vandalism, several fires set

A Rhode Island man is facing a list of charges after multiple incidents in the early morning hours.

According to police, at approximately 12:15 a.m. Wednesday, multiple Newport Police Officers responded to the area of 518 Bellevue Avenue for a reported carjacking in progress.

The suspect allegedly pointed a fishing spear at the female victim and ordered her out of the vehicle. The victim called 911 and provided a description of her vehicle. Officers located the vehicle unoccupied off the road on Wickham Road near Brenton Road with heavy front-end damage.

The 25-year-old suspect, Foster Krupa of Newport, was located near the scene of the vehicle crash. 

While officers were attempting to take him into custody, a struggle ensued and 2 officers sustained minor injuries. 

During the course of this incident, the Newport Fire Department reported they received a sprinkler alarm at 207 Ruggles Avenue. Upon their arrival, they located several separate fires in the basement. After the fires were extinguished, the Newport Fire Marshall determined that the fire was consistent with arson. The RI State Fire Marshall responded to the scene and took over the investigation. 

While NPD Officers were conducting their investigation into the carjacking, it was determined. that there were several acts of vandalism to vehicles in the parking lot of 206 Ruggles Avenue, Salva Regina University housing. 

Subsequent to the investigation, Krupa was linked to all of the crimes and was charged with Robbery, Arson, Breaking and Entering. 2 counts of Felony Assault and Larceny over $1,500. All of these charges are felonies. Krupa was also charged with the following misdemeanor charges: 5 counts of vandalism, 2 counts of Simple Assault, Resisting Arrest and Duty to Stop in Accident Involving a Motor Vehicle. 

He was arraigned today in Newport District Court.

The investigation is still on going.