Cranston Police Say Arson and Apparent Suicide Suspected in House Fire
GoLocalProv News Team
Cranston Police Say Arson and Apparent Suicide Suspected in House Fire
According to police, the investigation is being conducted by members of the Cranston Police Detective Division, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Cranston Fire Prevention Unit, and the Medical Examiner’s Office.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
About Incident
On March 18, 2024, at approximately 11:32 PM, Cranston Police say several calls were received for a house fire at 326 Beckwith Street, described as a single-family residence with a detached garage.
As law enforcement went to respond, police said they received a call from a neighbor who said they heard what sounded like a single gunshot before smelling smoke -- and discovering the adjacent residence was on fire.
Upon arrival, officers said they located an eighty-year-old man inside the garage suffering from a single gunshot wound with a firearm nearby. Police said the man was transported to Rhode Island Hospital and was pronounced dead a short time later.
Once the fire was extinguished, investigators said they discovered the home had been barricaded, and there were multiple points of origin where the fire started; a search of the property failed to reveal anyone else inside.
Based on the evidence from a preliminary investigation, it is believed that the man intentionally started the fire before responding to the garage to take his own life, according to police. The manner and cause of death will be determined by the State Medical Examiner, who will perform an autopsy.
No other persons were injured or any adjacent properties damaged, say police.
Helpline Info
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing an urgent behavioral health crisis by dialing or texting 988.
The call will be answered by a trained counselor who will listen, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.