Oxford Fugitive Arrested In Putnam, Held On $50,000 Bond
Zachariah Irwin/Putnam Police Department
Just after 2:30AM on Sunday, March 17th, the Putnam Police Department observed what they say was suspicious activity in the area of Franklin and Wilkinson Streets. The officer spotted a vehicle with a cancelled Rhode Island registration. Once the vehicle was pulled over, the driver, 35 year old Justin Bell of Woodstock was found to be operating the vehicle, which did not belong to him, with a suspended license.
Bell and his passenger contacted the vehicle’s owner, 33 year old Eric Bonin of Putnam, who arrived on foot a few moments later, according to police. He was unable to provide proof of insurance of the vehicle, which had previously been registered in Foster, RI.
While speaking with Bell and Bonin a third male, identified as 27 year old Zachariah Irwin arrived on scene. It was found that there was an active arrest warrant held by the Putnam Police Department for Irwin and he was taken into custody. While processing Irwin for the active warrant it was determined that the Oxford Massachusetts Police Department held an active and extraditable arrest warrant for Irwin for violation of abuse prevention order. Oxford Police confirmed that they would extradite, and Irwin was additionally charged with being a fugitive from justice.
Putnam Police say as a result of the motor vehicle stop, Justin Bell was issued a misdemeanor for operating a motor vehicle under suspension and operating an unregistered motor vehicle. A misdemeanor summons was issued to Eric Bonin for allowing the use of a motor vehicle without minimum insurance. Bonin and Bell will appear before the Danielson Superior Court on March 27th.
Irwin was charged with larceny in the 6th degree and held on a $1,000 bond as well as fugitive from justice and held on a $50,000 bond. He was unable to secure bond and will be presented in the Danielson Superior Court on Monday, March 18th.