Home invasion suspect faces RI judge

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The suspect involved in a tense standoff at a local park last week appeared in court Monday. John Keough, 27, faces a half dozen charges in Rhode Island, with more possible.

His trail of alleged crimes starts across state lines, on School Street in Rehoboth -- quiet, remote and rural -- where the targeted home still has crime scene tape across the driveway.

Rehoboth police say Keough wore a mask as he bound a 39-year-old woman with plastic ties, robbed her and took her car.

He raced down School Street, through Seekonk and East Providence and then into Pawtucket, police chasing him the entire way.

"We will work cooperatively with the other agencies to determine whether or not the charges could overlap," said Pawtucket Police Maj. Arthur Martins. "For example, East Providence, Seekonk and us, we were all in active pursuit of him, so he potentially faces eluding charges in each jurisdiction."

The Attorney General's office later decided all the Rhode Island charges for Keough would come from Pawtucket, and no formal charges would come from East Providence.

Keough jumped out of the stolen vehicle and eventually into Ten Mile river in Slater Park. About 150 bystanders in the park were evacuated.

Keough threatened to kill himself; at various times pointing the handgun at his head and body. After 2 and half hours of negotiating he gave up to police.

Monday, Keough barely said a word in court and waived extradition. He was transported back to Massachusetts in the late afternoon and will be arraigned on 7 charges connected to the crimes on School Street, including breaking and entering, home invasion with a firearm, kidnapping, and assault with a dangerous weapon.