July 4th Chaos in Providence: Man Shot, Drive-By Shooting, Arrest Following Fireworks Fight

July 4th Chaos in Providence: Man Shot, Drive-By Shooting, Arrest Following Fireworks Fight

Providence Police made multiple arrests over July 4 and overnight in the city.

A man was shot; a drive-by shooting was reported, an arrest was made following an altercation over fireworks, and multiple people were arrested when police dispersed large street parties. 

 

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About Incidents

 

Shootings

 

Shortly after 8:30 PM on July 4, police were called to the 200 block of Manton Avenue for a report of a drive-by shooting. 

The occupants told police that the previous evening, they had heard what sounded like gunshots, and that they then later found bullet holes in a wall — and a bullet — on the floor. 

Police took possession of the bullet and turned it over to detectives.

At approximately 4 AM on Thursday, July 5, police were called to Chad Brown Street for a report of a shooting.

A 19-year-old male was reportedly shot in the leg, and a female victim was reportedly struck in the head with a firearm. 

 

Fireworks Injury and Assault 

Police were called to Padelford Street in the Mt. Hope section of the city shortly after 8:30 on July 4 for a report of a fireworks incident.

A suspect — later identified as Yesenia Rodriguez — reportedly lit illegal fireworks in the road, and the victim, a resident on the street, confronted Rodriguez about setting them off close to his house. 

An argument ensued, and Rodriguez reportedly lit another firework in the road, at which time the victim tried to remove it from igniting too close to his house

The firework then reportedly went off and caused minor injuries to Rodriguez' face.

Rodriguez then reportedly assaulted and threatened the victim further; She was arrested and is facing illegal fireworks charges. 

Police also broke up multiple parties with hundreds of people setting off fireworks, drinking with open containers, and parking illegally and blocking roads. 

 

Illegal Fireworks at Large Gatherings

Shortly after 9 PM, police were called to Goddard Street on Smith Hill for reports of debris from illegal fireworks being set off at the Candace Street playground landing on houses. 

When police arrived, officers said that close to 500 people were in the area, with cars parked illegally and people drinking with open containers, and a fire in the basketball court that was not contained.

Officers called for backup to disperse the crowd from additional districts, at which time multiple individuals refused to leave. 

Murphy Luvin, age 35, and three juvenile males were arrested on disorderly conduct charges. 

Police were then called to Glenham Street in South Providence for a crowd of several hundred people who were lighting off illegal fireworks and blocking the roads. 

In attempting to disperse the crowd, police say Marquis Mitchell, age 21, refused to follow police orders. He is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Figueroa Adalberto age 54 was also arrested. 

 

Editor's Note:  The article has been edited to reflect it was Rodriguez who reportedly sustained injuries from the fireworks incident; not the neighbor as first reported. 

First published 7/5/2024 11:04 AM

Updated 7/6/2024 4:27 PM