“Narcotics, Firearms, and Dangerous Weapons” at Roger Williams Park in Providence

“Narcotics, Firearms, and Dangerous Weapons” at Roger Williams Park in Providence

Providence Police are saying that drugs and guns are currently a significant issue at Roger Williams Park — while Providence Mayor Brett Smiley's office says the location "remains a safe place" for all. 

On May 26, two men were shot at while sitting in a car at Roger Williams Park, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

This past weekend, Providence Police made a gun arrest, after stopping a motor vehicle violation at the park shortly after midnight on Sunday.

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According to the police report obtained by GoLocal, Providence Police were patrolling the area of 1000 Elmwood Avenue (Roger Williams Park) this weekend “due to quality of life issues regarding loud music and after hours loitering in the park.”

“We know that areas within the park are frequented by large groups of people engaged in consuming alcohol and narcotics, while listening to loud music playing from vehicles and speakers. We also know through arrests made by members of the Providence Police Department that subjects engaged in these activities have been arrested and in possession of firearms and other dangerous weapons,” Providence Police continued in their report. 

This week, Smiley's office refuted that there are any issues at the park. 

"The City recognizes that public safety incidents often increase as the weather gets warmer and we are committed to remaining extra vigilant during the coming months. Our neighbors deserve to feel safe in Providence and that is why Mayor Smiley has consistently prioritized investments into public safety. Our data does not indicate that there has been a significant increase in incidents in this area than this time last year," said Smiley spokesperson Josh Estrella. "Roger Williams Park remains a safe place for all those who live, work and visit Providence to enjoy."

 

Latest in at Historic Providence Park 

According to the police report of this past weekend’s arrest at Roger Williams Park:

“Upon approach, the operator of the vehicle and the rear passenger, Omar Hernandez, age 18, and front passenger were making furtive movements. During a terry frisk, Hernandez had a weighted object similar to a firearm in his front pocket. At that moment, the front passenger exited the vehicle and fled the scene clutching his sweatshirt. The fleeing suspect could not be located at this time. Hernandez was TOT (turned over to) Detectives for possession of a Phoenix Arms, .22LR Cal. firearm.”

Roger Williams Park has been at the center of a number of public safety issues in recent years.

As GoLocal reported in 2021, "Head of Roger Williams Park Zoo—Who Criticized ATVs for “Ruining Events”—Is Leaving:"

Roger Williams Park Zoo Director Dr. Jeremy Goodman is leaving.

In March, he sent a letter to a Providence City Councilman describing how ATVs and off-road vehicles have destroyed the property -- and have ruined events at the city landmark.

"We have seen the damage these vehicles have caused to Roger Williams Park on a regular basis. We have also seen these vehicles disrupt events such as weddings and our very popular Food Truck Friday event," said Goodman