Man Accused Of Vandalizing East Providence Police Station

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — A 23-year-old man has been accused of vandalizing the front of the East Providence Police Department Headquarters on Waterman Avenue, said police in a news release Friday.

Mitchell C. Lawson, 23, of East Providence, is facing charges including two counts of vandalism, obstruction, disorderly conduct, and driving with an expired license, said police.

Police say Lawson was caught on video surveillance vandalizing the station shortly after 3 a.m. Friday morning. He allegedly spray painted the East Providence Police Department sign and part of the building and threw two large rocks at the front entry glass doors before fleeing the scene.

Following the incident, police broadcast a description of the Lawson and his vehicle, which was found on Commercial Way moments later. During a motor vehicle stop, police say they found a can of black spray paint and a pair of rubber gloves inside the car and subsequently took Lawson into custody.

"I credit our East Providence Police Department dispatchers and patrol officers for their swift actions in identifying, locating and arresting the person responsible," said Mayor Bob DaSilva in a statement.

Police say the motivation for the crime seems to be recent national headlines involving police.