Woonsocket Police Department

 

242 Clinton Street • Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895

Telephone (401) 766-1212 • Fax (401) 765-4922

 

 

Michael Lemoine

Deputy Chief of Police

 

April 29, 2021

Press Release

Contact: Deputy Chief Michael Lemoine; 401-767-8865 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Arrest in Monday’s Stolen Auto with Child

 

Woonsocket, RI; On Monday April 26, 2021, at about 3:15pm, members of the Woonsocket Police Department responded to Mason Grocery located at 521 Elm St. of a motor vehicle, a grey 2013 Dodge Journey, stolen. Responding officers were advised that a toddler (2.5-year-old girl) was in the vehicle’s back seat at the time of the theft. Responding officers quickly located the stolen vehicle just a short distance away on Sweet Ave.

Since the vehicle theft, investigators have worked tirelessly to identify the suspect. Various video footage was gathered and analyzed. On Wednesday afternoon, April 28, 2021, a credible tip and further information was developed leading to the identity of the suspect, Derek Franklin 35 years old of Woonsocket. An arrest warrant for Franklin was obtained. Franklin was observed outside his residence, near the Mason Grocery store, where he was taken into custody without incident.

Later in the evening at police headquarters, Franklin appeared before the District Court bail commissioner and released on $10,000 personal recognizance. He is expected to appear in Superior Court for a pre-arraignment conference on August 3, 2021.

The vehicle owner, Sophiann Higgins, 28, of Woonsocket was subsequently cited for leaving a motor vehicle unattended; a RITT violation.

 

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