NORTH SMITHFIELD – A Woonsocket man who used someone else’s credit card to purchase an air fryer and a microwave was arrested last week after police worked with Walmart associates to identify the alleged thief.
Timothy Ring, 43, of Woonsocket was picked up by North Providence police on Monday, April 6 and charged with fraudulent use of credit cards.
According to reports, the victim, a 37-year-old man from North Attleboro, Mass., told police that his card had somehow been used to purchase $233 in items at the Dowling Village store. He said he had not lost the card, or provided anyone with the number.
Police contacted Walmart and store associates were able to track the time the purchases were made and the items picked up. Detectives matched the information with surveillance footage, and watched two men walk through the store, with one ordering the items on his phone.
The men then spilt up, with Ring proceeding to the kiosk to pick up the appliances.
Officers reportedly recognized the suspect from past encounters, and license and mug shot photos. The state criminal database shows that Ring has an extensive criminal record with more than three dozen charges, including assault, breaking and entering, vandalism, obstruction, disorderly conduct, and violation of a no contact order, along with multiple driving infractions.
Police put out a warrant for Ring’s arrest in February and he was picked up by North Providence police this month and transported to North Smithfield police headquarters. He has a mandatory court date on Thursday, June 11.
Reports note that there may be additional arrests in the case at a later date.