Cops nab suspect in robbery spree

EAST GREENWICH, R.I. (WPRI) - A man wanted in connection with a robbery spree in several communities was arrested in East Greenwich Tuesday morning.

Police said officers caught up with Michael Brooks, 48, at the Cumberland Farms on South County Trail shortly after 9 a.m.

Brooks was wanted with several purse snatchings in the last few days in East Greenwich, North Kingstown and Narragansett.

In one incident, police say he threatened a 68-year-old woman Sunday while she loaded groceries into her car at Dave’s Marketplace in East Greenwich.

Brooks is also suspected of similar crimes at the Stop and Shop on Frenchtown Road in North Kingstown and at the Salt Pond shopping plaza that occurred earlier in the same day.

East Greenwich Police Chief Thomas E. Coyle III said Brooks is charged with assault on a person over 60. North Kingstown and Narragansett Police will also file charges against Brooks.

Police said Brooks has a lengthy criminal record from the State of New York and is reported to be a drug user.