NEW: PVDFest Shooter Pleads Guilty - Sentenced to 5 Years
GoLocalProv News Team
NEW: PVDFest Shooter Pleads Guilty - Sentenced to 5 Years
Michael Robertson, 25, pleaded guilty to possession of a pistol without a license, possession of a firearm after a crime of violence, and firing in a compact area.
“Firing a gun in the middle of a crowded event is more than just being foolish or reckless – people could have been killed. PVDFest is a community event that brings people out to celebrate together. The defendant’s conduct caused panic, fear, and chaos and it could have been much, much worse,” said Neronha.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAfter serving his prison sentence, Robertson will serve another five years on probation.
Guilty Plea
According to the Attorney General’s office, had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that on June 10, 2019, at 11:07 p.m., Robertson was at the PVDFest in Providence in the area of Washington Street and Union Street when he took out a 9mm pistol and fired it approximately six times in the air, before running down Union Street.
The shots caused a crowd of people who were attending PVDFest to become panicked and run in multiple directions.
Robertson was identified by area video surveillance, as GoLocalProv reported.
Police Raised Safety Concerns
As GoLocalProv reported, Providence Police urged Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza not to allow open alcohol container drinking at PVDFest, but Elorza overruled them.
On Saturday night at 11 pm, a gunman ripped off a number of shots sending hundreds of PVDFest attendees running.
The shooting was the second shooting at PDVFest in the past three years. In 2017, Mike Marrow was shot and paralyzed.
Elorza’s spokesperson Emily Crowell said in a statement to GoLocal, “Open container has been a standing policy during PVDFest. At this point time, the incident is under investigation.”