PROVIDNECE, R.I. (WPRI) — A Cranston man was arrested after he stole a delivery truck that was parked outside a Providence liquor store Monday afternoon, according to Providence Police Commander Thomas Verdi.
Verdi said 44-year-old Jeremy Fellela hopped into the driver’s seat of the truck, which was delivering what appeared to be bottles and kegs of beer to A to Z Liquors on Douglas Avenue, and started driving away.
A 12 News photojournalist was in front of the liquor store when Fellela initially stole the vehicle. The truck’s liftgate was open and the ramp was down on the ground when Fellela drove off, spilling bottles and kegs into the street.
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Officers immediately began pursuing Fellela, who led them on a slow-speed chase throughout Providence. The chase ended when Fellela crashed the truck into a utility pole at the corner of Isabella and Longwood avenues, according to Verdi.
Greg Johnson tells 12 News he was outside raking leaves when he heard a commotion in front of his house.
“The cops ran in and kind of pulled the guy out of the car and got him on the ground,” Johnson recalled. “You know, if you need beer … come to me, I’ll buy you beer. You don’t need to steal a truck.”
Fellela has been charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, eluding police, reckless driving and refusal to submit a chemical test. He is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday.
