Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin today announced that Eric Tipple, DOB: 4-10-87, with a last known address of 159 Obed Avenue, North Providence, pleaded guilty to charges in the July 20, 2010 carjacking of a 72- year old woman in the CVS parking lot on Smithfield Avenue in Pawtucket.
Tipple pleaded guilty to one count of first degree robbery before Superior Court Magistrate William J.McAtee and was sentenced to 30 years, with 18 to serve with the remainder suspended with probation. Tipple has been held without bail since the incident as probation violator.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove that as the victim was exiting her automobile in the parking lot of CVS on the evening of July 20, 2010, Tipple threw the victim to the ground as he grabbed her pocketbook and car keys. He then fled with the automobile and later abandoned it in Lincoln. The victim suffered minor injuries and the automobile was damaged.
Witnesses called the Pawtucket Police Department and later identified Tipple from a police photo array. Tipple was arrested by the Pawtucket Police on July 23, 2011.
“At only 24 years old, Tipple has racked up a long list of violent crimes, including breaking and entering, felony assault and drug charges. This cowardly carjacking was yet another of his senseless acts of violence, all for only $20,” said Attorney General Kilmartin. “We are fortunate the victim was not seriously injured. I commend the brave actions of the witnesses who came to the victim’s aid and to the Pawtucket Police Department for the swift apprehension of this man before he could commit another crime.”
Detective Charles “Chip” Devine led the investigation for the Pawtucket Police and Special Assistant Attorney General Roger Demers handled the case for the Office of Attorney General.