Providence Police Make Arrests Tied to Suspected Members of “South American Theft Group" UPDATED
GoLocalProv News Team
Providence Police Make Arrests Tied to Suspected Members of “South American Theft Group" UPDATED
The action came after law enforcement agencies were on the lookout for suspects following multiple thefts from retail stores in Cranston.
It is believed the individuals are tied to a larger multi-state theft ring.
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About Arrests
Providence Police said a vehicle of interest was located by officers on Francis Street in downtown Providence shortly after 3 PM on Monday.
Police said individuals were seen exiting Providence Place Mall and entering the vehicle.
According to police, the vehicle - a black SUV - attempted to flee the area before before being stopped by officers.
Three suspects matching the descriptions from recent robberies were apprehended.
“We believe the individuals are tied to recent Cranston thefts and may be tied ones in Connecticut and New York,” said Providence Police Major David Lapatin when reached for comment.
Lapatin confirmed local law enforcement agencies are currently working with federal law enforcement on the matter.
Cranston on Record
Following the arrests, Cranston Police sent out the following statement on Tuesday afternoon:
"On Monday, April 7, 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM, the Cranston Police Department received information from a partnering law enforcement agency regarding a group of individuals believed to be associated with a South American Organized Retail Theft Group. In collaboration with regional and federal partners, this department actively shares intelligence related to organized criminal enterprises.
The notification indicated that a Ford Flex, previously used during a March 23, 2025, retail theft incident, had been detected in Connecticut and was believed to be traveling north with the intent to commit additional shoplifting offenses in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. In response, a statewide bulletin containing a description of the suspect vehicle and its associated registration was issued.
At approximately 3:00 PM, Detectives were alerted that the suspect vehicle had triggered a Flock license plate reader near downtown Providence. This information was shared with the Providence Police Department, which located the suspect vehicle in the vicinity of the Providence Place Mall. Four suspects associated with the vehicle containing stolen merchandise were taken into custody on charges of Larceny and Conspiracy. Providence Police are continuing their investigation.
In Cranston, three separate retail theft incidents were reported between February 17 and March 23, 2025, at two major department stores in the Garden City Center, resulting in a total loss of approximately $7,000. The same group is believed to be responsible for a broader pattern of thefts across several states, including New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, North Carolina, and Illinois, with cumulative losses estimated to exceed $30,000.
These groups are known to travel across state lines to commit thefts in rapid succession before relocating and, at times, returning to previously targeted stores. In some instances, items are sold to local shops or through online marketplaces and social media platforms.
Some of the individuals arrested by the Providence Police are now facing Felony Larceny and Conspiracy charges from the Cranston Police Department in connection with the thefts committed in Cranston. These individuals are identified as Keiner PEREZ SALAS (age 20), Beickel AMESTOY ARRELANO (age 21), and Howard GARCIA MARQUEZ (age 22). The Cranston Police Department will obtain an arrest warrant for a fourth suspect who was not arrested in Providence yesterday.
All suspects are Venezuelan nationals with theft-related criminal histories in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. AMESTOY ARRELANO is also wanted in New York for Grand Larceny and by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement for Failure to Appear for Removal from the United States.
“Organized retail crime is a growing threat that impacts local businesses and communities across state lines,” said Colonel Michael Winquist. “This case demonstrates the critical importance of collaboration between local, state, and federal partners, as well as the use of emerging technologies like license plate reader systems. We will continue aggressively pursuing these criminal networks and ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
First Published: 4/8/2025 10:02 AM
Updated: 4/8/2025 4:48 PM