PROVIDENCE – Police in Cranston, R.I., arrested a Central Falls man in connection with a December break-in at a home in the city’s Edgewood neighborhood, and authorities believe he is responsible for a months-long string of similar incidents in the area, officials said.
Terrence R. Madden, 61, was taken into custody on Monday and charged with one count of unlawful breaking and entering of a dwelling, a felony, after the Dec. 8 incident on Wentworth Avenue, police said.
No plea was entered for Madden during an arraignment in Kent County District Court on Tuesday, as is common for cases involving felony charges in Rhode Island.
Madden was ordered held on $20,000 surety. No attorney was listed for Madden – who was referred to the public defender – as of Wednesday.
Investigators believe Madden is “responsible for numerous additional breaking and entering and attempted breaking and entering incidents that occurred throughout the Edgewood area between September and December,” police said.
“At the time of his arrest, Madden was the suspect of and was being sought by detectives on an active Cranston Police Department arrest warrant,” police said.
Detectives are awaiting further evidence and analysis, and police anticipate additional charges will be filed against Madden, officials said.
“This arrest represents a significant step in addressing recent concerns related to residential break-ins in the Edgewood area,” police said in a statement. “The police department remains committed to proactive patrols, thorough investigations, and close collaboration with partner agencies to enhance neighborhood safety.”
Authorities encourage anyone “who may have experienced similar incidents, observed suspicious activity, or possess information related to these crimes” to contact detectives, police said.
“Residents with home surveillance footage, doorbell camera video, or other evidence from the Edgewood area between September and December 2025 are especially encouraged to come forward,” officials said.
Court records show Madden was convicted in February 2025 on several breaking-and-entering charges filed by East Providence police in December 2023.
According to the records, Madden pleaded no contest to the charges, and Providence County Superior Court Magistrate John F. McBurney III handed down a five-year suspended sentence and five years of probation.
With Madden’s latest arrest, a violation hearing in the previous case is set for Jan. 27, records show.
Christopher Gavin can be reached at christopher.gavin@globe.com.