Burglary suspect dies during heist

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A man connected to several break-ins has died. Police said he dropped dead during his latest burglary attempt at an East Providence apartment complex.

The suspect, who police are not identifying, was attempting to steal a flat-screen television from the lobby of an apartment complex on East Shore Circle when he died, according to Capt. Walter Barlow, East Providence Police.

Barlow said the man ripped the TV right off the wall, cut the cable and ran. However, he only  made it a few steps out of the door before collapsing.

Barlow said it appears the man, who he said is between 40- and 50-years-old, died from a natural cause, possibly a heart attack.

He said the suspect had been previously convicted of shoplifting and robbery.

Neighbors who woke up to find police and the medical examiner at their apartment complex said they were stunned.

"It is very weird," said Sheila Pellerin. "I was talking to a neighbor, and she said nothing like that's every happened here."