Cranston Police: Shooting Suspect at Tent for St. Mary’s Feast "Violently Resisted" Arrest

Cranston Police: Shooting Suspect at Tent for St. Mary’s Feast "Violently Resisted" Arrest

Cranston Police have identified a suspect who has been arrested in the shooting that occurred while the St. Mary's Feast was held in the city Saturday night. 

According to police, the suspect was in possession of cocaine and is facing multiple charges. 

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On Sunday afternoon, police released the following: 

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"On Saturday, July 20, 2024, at approximately 11:20 PM, Cranston uniformed officers were working a security detail at 39 West, located at 39 Phenix Avenue in Cranston when they heard a gunshot. The officers then observed two men fighting. Officers immediately separated both men and observed a handgun in the hand of one of the subjects identified as Michael Mancini, age 28, of 84 West Hill  Drive, Cranston, RI. Officers took Mr. Mancini to the ground as he refused to release his grip on the gun and violently resisted arrest. 

Officers were eventually able to subdue Mr. Mancini and seized the loaded handgun that contained a fifteen-round magazine. At that time, officers discovered that Mr. Mancini had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his leg that was bleeding profusely. Officers immediately rendered emergency aid, including applying a tourniquet, until Cranston Fire and Rescue personnel responded to transport Mr. Mancini to Rhode Island Hospital. Mr. Mancini remains hospitalized and required surgery to address the significant injury to his leg. 

An investigation by the Criminal Investigations Unit revealed that Mr. Mancini had been involved in a verbal altercation with an individual at the bar. He later approached the man to continue the disagreement. The other man became aware that Mr. Mancini was armed and began wrestling with Mr. Mancini as Mr. Mancini removed the gun from his waistband. During the physical struggle Mr.  Mancini discharged one round striking himself in the leg. Mr. Mancini was searched after his arrest and was found to be in possession of cocaine. Mr. Mancini does not have a license or permit to carry a concealed weapon."

According to police, Mancini will be arraigned at the hospital on the following charges: 

1. Carrying a pistol without a license 
2. Possession of a controlled substance (schedule I-cocaine) 
3. Firing in a compact area 
4. Disorderly Conduct 
5. Resisting arrest 
6. Large capacity feeding device prohibited 
7. Carrying a weapon while under the influence of liquor or drugs 

 

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As GoLocal reported Sunday morning: 

The annual Italian festival, the St. Mary’s Feast, was impacted by a shooting late on Saturday night.

One man was wounded.

The shooting took place at a festival tent outside 39 West Restaurant and Lounge, according to Cranston Police.

The man shot was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, according to police.

Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins said in a statement Sunday morning:

Late Saturday evening, there was an incident at 39 Phenix Avenue in Cranston, which is the location of the 39 West Restaurant & Lounge.

While the Cranston Police Department is still investigating the incident, a weapon was discharged in a brief altercation in the tented outside dining area.  Cranston police officers who were hired by the establishment and were present, quickly took control of the scene to prevent any further danger to the public and other patrons.

I concur with the demand of the police department that the establishment remain closed on Sunday.

This incident occurred on private property outside the general area of the St. Mary’s Feast Society activities. At this time, I expect that the full schedule of activities for the St. Mary’s Feast will continue for the final day.  I will be reviewing the plans for the final day of the feast with our police department leadership and feast society officers.

We want residents and visitors to be able to safely enjoy the last day of this long-standing community celebration    

 

The Feast held in the Knightsville section of Cranston is closely linked to Itri, a small town in Italy, located between Rome and Naples.

Many Itri residents immigrated to America and settled in the Knightsville section.