Alert Neighbor Helps Police Make Arrest After Car Break-In

SMITHFIELD — A late-night dog walk helped lead police to a man accused of breaking into a neighbor’s SUV early Friday.

Shortly after midnight Oct. 9, a resident walking his dog on North Fourth Street noticed someone inside a neighbor’s vehicle and called 911.

The man left on foot before officers arrived, but police located a suspect walking less than a block away a short time later.

The 35-year-old vehicle owner told officers about $14 in loose change was missing from the SUV. Police said coins believed to have been taken from the vehicle were found in the suspect’s pockets.

Luis Alberto Aviles-Rivera of Smithfield was charged with felony breaking and entering a motor vehicle with theft, habitual larceny and possession of stolen property.

He was held under a $35,000 bond.