High-Profile Crime Incidents Mounting in Cranston

High-Profile Crime Incidents Mounting in Cranston

Cranston has had a reputation as a safe suburb of Providence. In previous years, it has been ranked as one of the best small cities in America.

But in recent months, it has been battered with a series of high-profile crimes.

 

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Chapel View — Gun, Robbery

In April, Cranston Police announced the arrest of four individuals tied to a robbery that took place at Chapel View Plaza. According to Cranston Police, on April 14, officers responded to an armed robbery in Chapel View near Cold Stone Creamery. Two juvenile victims told police they were confronted and robbed at gunpoint by a group of four males.

The victims, ages 14 and 16, stated they were approached by the suspects who demanded personal belongings, including designer shoes, a sweatshirt, and jewelry, according to Cranston Police.

During the robbery, one suspect brandished a firearm and threatened to shoot one of the victims.

The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle, later identified as a ride-share operated by a registered driver.

 

Garden City — Shooting

In July, Cranston Police called the violent incident a “targeted shooting.”  It took place outside LA Fitness at Garden City and sent shoppers running.

“This brazen act of targeted violence at one of our city’s busiest and most vibrant shopping destinations is unprecedented in my tenure as Chief. While the intended victim was clearly targeted, it is incredibly fortunate that no innocent bystanders were harmed. I want to commend the quick action of the witnesses, including Garden City security officers, who provided crucial and timely information. I also extend my appreciation to our dispatchers and officers who coordinated an effective response while managing a second critical incident elsewhere in the city. Lastly, I commend the brave efforts of the Rhode Island State Police and Providence Police who swiftly apprehended two dangerous individuals who posed a serious risk to public safety. The investigation remains active, and we will continue working to prevent retaliatory violence and protect our community,” said Colonel Michael Winquist.

At approximately 11:46 a.m., Cranston Police responded to multiple reports of gunfire in front of the Verizon store located at 182 Hillside Road. A retired Rhode Island State Police Lieutenant, who witnessed the incident, reported that a male suspect dressed in black discharged several rounds at another male, who fled into the Verizon store for cover. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Witnesses provided a description of the suspect vehicle, a green/grey Kia with Massachusetts license plates, later determined to have been stolen out of Swansea, MA. The vehicle information was rapidly disseminated through regional law enforcement networks. Within minutes, the Rhode Island State Police located the vehicle on Route 6 and initiated a pursuit, which continued through the Smith Hill neighborhood of Providence.

The pursuit concluded in the Providence Place Mall parking garage, where both suspects fled on foot but were quickly apprehended by members of the Rhode Island State Police and the Providence Police Department. One suspect was found in possession of a .25 caliber handgun. Two were charged in the incident.

 

Stabbing, St. Mary's Feast

A stabbing took place on Sunday night, July 20, after the conclusion of the St. Mary’s Feast in the Knightsville section of Cranston.

The incident reportedly occurred between two juvenile girls.

"Officers were notified of a disturbance and potential stabbing in Itri Park at approximately 11:39 PM. The victim, a 16-year-old female, was in a parking lot. The victim sustained minor superficial injuries,” said Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Chief of Police in July.

“The suspect was located at Hasbro Children’s Hospital with a laceration to her hand. Suspect was transported to CPD HQ, processed, and released to a parent at the direction of the Family Court after-hours duty judge,” added Winquist.

It was the second year in a row when there was an episode of violence during the Feast weekend in the proximity of the area.

 

Drug Raid at Cranston Day Care

The Rhode Island State Police (RISP) announced that on Thursday, it concluded a joint narcotics and firearms investigation.

According to RISP, their target was a Cranston man, and in that same house that they raided, there is a state-licensed daycare facility.

“As a result of this investigation, a court-authorized search warrant was executed at the residence located at 98 Western Promenade, Cranston. Based on illegal contraband located and seized on scene, members of the HIDTA Task Force charged Aaron Cabreja, age 31, of 98 Western Promenade, Cranston, Rhode Island, with numerous firearms and narcotics offenses," said RISP. 

“During the execution of the search warrant, members of the HIDTA Task Force became aware that a daycare was being operated out of the residence. The daycare, Promenade Kids, is licensed through the Rhode Island Department of Human Services and is operated by the owner of the residence, Annette Jordan. During the search warrant, it was learned that Cabreja is in a relationship with Ms. Jordan’s daughter and was residing with her on the second floor of the residence. There were no children present during the execution of the search warrant," RISP continued. 

 

16-Year-Old Shot and Killed

Sometime overnight — early Monday morning, a 16-year-old was shot and killed inside the Pocasset Village apartment complex.

At around 9:40 a.m., Cranston police were notified of the body of a teenager in a parking lot.

GoLocal asked Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins about the incidents and whether residents and visitors should be concerned — he did not respond to questions.

 

This story was first published 8/11/25 5:47 PM