Boy, 16, arrested on felony marijuana charge in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH — Here are some highlights from the Portsmouth Police reports from over the past week.

Tuesday, Jan. 10

Vehicles driven by Kelly Gersen of Portsmouth and Antonio Notarianni of Johnston collided on Bristol Ferry Road at Botelho Drive at about 3 p.m. Police said Ms. Gersen was traveling north on Bristol Ferry, came to a stop due to traffic and was struck from behind by the Notarianni vehicle. There were three passengers in the Gersen vehicle, all minors. A boy in the front seat struck his head on the windshield and was in minor pain, but declined hospital transport after being examined by the Portsmouth Fire Department. Ms. Gersen was issued a summons for operating an unregistered vehicle.

Wednesday, Jan. 11

Stephen E. Hurschman, 46, of St. Petersburg, Fla., was charged around 4 p.m. on a 6th District Court bench warrant out of East Providence after police responded to a Cottage Avenue home for a report of a domestic disturbance. Police said Mr. Hurschman had gotten into an argument with a female friend who lives on that street, and they later found him walking along Park Avenue.

Thursday, Jan. 12

Vehicles driven by Bethany Harvey of Middletown and Michael Michalek of Newport collided on West Main Road at John Street around 1:40 p.m. According to police, Mr. Michalek was stopped in the left, northbound lane behind a work truck that was turning left, when he was struck from behind by the Harvey vehicle. Ms. Harvey, who was truck in the face by her vehicle’s air bag, complained of pain to her neck and knee. She was transported to Newport Hospital for treatment.

Friday, Jan. 13

An Isuzu truck driven by Jeffrey P. Laun of Taunton, Mass. struck a deer on Turnpike Avenue near the high school shortly before 4 a.m. The truck sustained damage to its front bumper. The deer was able to run off, said Mr. Laun, who told police he had hit two other deer in Portsmouth over the past year.

Saturday, Jan. 14

Robert R. Rooke, 29, of 827 Anthony Road, was charged at 7:13 p.m. with domestic assault following an incident the night before at the VFW hall across the street. A witness told police that Mr. Rooke argued with a 23-year-old local woman and struck her in the face. Mr. Rooke, who had a fresh injury to his left eye, told police he received it after falling on the ice. Police arrested Mr. Rooke at his home the following day.

Sunday, Jan. 15

A 16-year-old Fall River boy was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, a felony, and obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duties. Police said the boy was driving a car they pulled over around 8:15 p.m. on West Main Road at Almeida Terrace because its center stop lamp was not working. Two other boys, ages 15 and 17, were also in the car. Police said they detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle, but the driver denied there were any narcotics inside. During a search of the vehicle, however, police said they found a glass jar containing 0.7 ounces of marijuana, a small black scale commonly associated with the distribution of narcotics, a pill bottle and plastic jar containing marijuana remnants, small plastic baggies, a wallet containing $731 in cash and a pellet pistol. In addition to the criminal charges, the boy was also given a summons for operating a vehicle with a failed stop lamp and for carrying a passenger who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

Monday, Jan. 16

Arsenio A. Lembert, 61, of 134 Schoolhouse Lane, was charged at 8:32 a.m. on a Superior Court felony bench warrant. An officer with knowledge of the warrant arrested Mr. Lembert at his place of work at International Manufacturing Services Inc. on Schoolhouse Lane.