Photo: London Police Department
On Monday, January 29, 2018, the London Police Department was dispatched to an attempted vehicle theft on West 7th Street. The victim stated that a man, later identified as Ryan Paolantino, 35, was inside his vehicle with a hammer and screwdriver, hitting the ignition switch. Paolantino fled on foot towards Main Street after he noticed the victim approaching. Officer Greg Turner made contact with the suspect. When asked about the complaint, he stated he had a hammer in his backpack. A search discovered, the hammer, two screwdrivers, three needles, and a meth pipe. A fourth needle was found in Paolantino’s shirt pocket. He was arrested and charged with theft, criminal mischief, possession of burglary tools and possession of drug paraphernalia.