Johnston Police Release Victims' Names and Details of Triple Shooting
GoLocalProv News Team
Johnston Police Release Victims' Names and Details of Triple Shooting
Chief Mark Vieira issued the following statement Thursday morning.
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Johnston Police Statement:
"On Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023, at 11:58 p.m., officers of the Johnston Police Department responded to 2 Ligian Court in reference to a report of suspicious activity. Upon arrival, the resident, Thomas May, age 44, reported banging noises were heard on the exterior of his residence by his daughter’s bedroom window.
After raising the window blinds, Mr. May observed his neighbor, identified as James Harrison, age 52, of 4 Ligian Court, outside his residence in possession of a ladder.
According to Mr. May, Harrison then proceeded to run from 2 Ligian Court towards his residence next door. While on scene, officers did not observe any signs of attempted forced entry to the bedroom window nor could they locate a ladder. Mr. May subsequently requested to file a trespass order against Harrison forbidding him from his property of 2 Ligian Court.
Officers attempted to make contact with Harrison at 4 Ligian Court but were met with no response. Attempts to contact Harrison by telephone were also met with no response.
On Wednesday, May 24th, 2023, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Officer Scott Hopkins responded back to 4 Ligian Court in another attempt to make contact with Harrison to investigate and issue him the trespass notice. Upon turning onto Ligian Court from Simmonsville Avenue, Officer Hopkins observed Harrison operating a dark blue Buick Encore, bearing RI registration 1AM123.
As Harrison approached Simmonsville Avenue, he made a hand gesture towards Officer Hopkins, consistent with shooting a firearm. Officer Hopkins then entered the driveway of 2 Ligian Court with the intention of turning around to detain Harrison. At that time, Officer Hopkins observed a 15-year-old juvenile female lying on the front lawn of the residence with apparent gunshot wounds and stopped to render aid. The juvenile victim is the daughter of Mr. May. Additional officers arrived on scene and observed Mr. May deceased in the garage of the residence from a fatal gunshot wound to his head.
The juvenile identified Harrison as the shooter. Officers were unable to locate Harrison and a BOLO was issued to surrounding law enforcement agencies regarding Harrison and the vehicle he was operating.
The juvenile was immediately transported by Johnston Fire Department rescue personnel to Hasbro Children’s Hospital where she received treatment for her injuries that were serious, however, not life-threatening.
Officers then entered the residence of James Harrison, 4 Ligian Court, in an attempt to locate additional victims in need of medical aid. Upon entering the home, a second victim was located, identified as Janet Harrison, age 83, who was also deceased from a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Janet Harrison was the mother of James Harrison.
Around 9:30 a.m. James Harrison was involved in a motor vehicle pursuit initiated by the Cranston Police Department after he was observed at the St. Ann Cemetery. The motor vehicle pursuit traveled through multiple jurisdictions, ultimately ending in a motor vehicle crash on Plainfield Pike in Cranston in the area of the route 295 overpass. James Harrison was fatally wounded by police after exiting his vehicle armed with a handgun.
The Johnston Police Department offers our sincere condolences to the May and Harrison families. The juvenile victim in this case has shown incredible courage and resiliency and we pray for her speedy recovery.
The Johnston Police Department commends the assistance provided by the Cranston Police Department, the Providence Police Department, and the Rhode Island State Police in swiftly locating this armed and dangerous individual. As we continue to investigate this incident, we would also like to thank the Office of the Attorney General for their assistance."