Rhode Island man arrested for allegedly leaving hundreds of needles, syringes in public gazebo
William Otte, 56. (Credit: West Warwick Police Department)
WEST WARWICK, R.I. - A Rhode Island man is accused of leaving hundreds of uncapped needles and syringes at a public gazebo.
West Warwick Police said on Sunday, an officer was conducting a routine search at Arctic Majestic Gazebo.
The officer observed the dangerous items scattered on a concrete pad under the gazebo. The officer also observed some form of writing from a bar soap, but the wording was "illogical" and "fragmented."
Police called a biohazard mitigation company to remove the syringes and needles and properly disposed of them.
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After an investigation, officers arrested 56-year-old William Otte and charged him vandalism.
According to WJAR, local residents are petitioning to have police patrol the area 24/7.
This story was reported from Los Angeles.