Johnston investigating bathroom theft

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI) -- Johnston Police were investigating Friday whether a man wanted for stealing a toilet flush valve from a McDonald's in their town is the same suspected bathroom bandit arrested in Warwick this week.

A surveillance photo posted on the Rhode Island Most Wanted website shows a man leaving the McDonald's on Atwood Avenue in Johnston Wednesday, after police believe he stole an automatic toilet flush valve from the restaurant's restroom.

The photo shows the man getting into an older model white Jeep Cherokee, possibly a 1995-96 model according to police.

On Thursday, Warwick Police arrested 58-year-old Christopher Stewart of Cranston for allegedly stealing automatic flush valves and other plumbing fixtures from nine locations across Warwick, including the Wendy's on Bald Hill Road and the Pilgrim Senior Center on Warwick Avenue.

On Friday, Johnston Police were planning to talk to Warwick Police to determine whether Stewart may also be the suspect in the McDonald's theft.

In the meantime, anyone with information about the Johnston theft is asked to contact Johnston Police Detective Anthony Sasso at 401-477-2707, extension 3146.