Vietnamese national ordered for removal twice, arrested after alleged crime spree that ended at Taco Bell

An alleged crime spree ended this week with an arrest at a fast-food restaurant in Rhode Island.

According to Chief Michael Winquist, on Thursday at just after 2:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of 1111 Cranston Street in Cranston for reports of a man 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. Officers immediately evacuated the business and established a perimeter around the freezer area for public safety. 

“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, 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. 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, 38, of Cranston, RI. 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. 

“Chau was arraigned by a bail commissioner at Cranston Police Headquarters on the following charges: 

Breaking & Entering a Dwelling Without Consent

Attempted Breaking & Entering (2 counts)

Vandalism / Malicious Damage to Property

Weapons Other Than Firearms Prohibited

Obstructing an Officer in the Execution of Duty

Disorderly Conduct

No injuries were reported.

Surveillance footage and photographs were collected as evidence.

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 Thursday’s incident.

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

Colonel Winquist stated, “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.”

All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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