Two Suspects Arrested in Connection to Shooting at Cranston Apartment Complex

Two Suspects Arrested in Connection to Shooting at Cranston Apartment Complex

Cranston police have announced the arrests of two suspects, an adult male and a juvenile male, connected to a shooting Tuesday night at a local apartment complex.  

About Incident 

Shortly after 7 PM on April 19, Cranston police responded to Riverbend Apartments at 575 Dyer Avenue for a report of an altercation inside an apartment between male and female parties ages 16-19. 

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Upon their arrival, police said they learned that the fight continued outside of the apartment building. 

Police say that two of the people involved, a 19-year-old male identified as Jacob Cruz of 10 Howard Street in Cranston, and a juvenile subject, age 16, of Providence, entered Cruz's vehicle. Cruz then allegedly placed his car in reverse and  abruptly drove towards the individuals attempting to strike them. Nobody was injured, and the suspects fled from the area only to return a short time later. 

Upon their arrival, one of the witnesses told police both suspects remained in the vehicle. Cruz allegedly pointed a firearm at the group and fired one round, nearly striking them. The round struck the side of an adjacent apartment building and but did not penetrate the exterior. 

Using Plate Reader to Track Suspect

The suspect vehicle's license plate was entered into the Flock License Plate Reader System, which revealed the vehicle traveled onto Route 10 south towards Providence shortly after the  shooting. A statewide broadcast was sent to all police departments requesting the car and 
suspects be stopped. 

At approximately 9:57 pm, Providence Police Officers stopped the vehicle on Manton Avenue and placed Cruz and the juvenile in custody. The suspect vehicle was  towed to Cranston Police Headquarters, where it was searched based on a court-authorized  search warrant. A single .40 caliber round was seized from under a seat. 

The firearm has not been recovered. 

Members of the Cranston Police Department Criminal Identification and Bureau of Criminal  Identification Unit continue to gather, process, and review evidence, including video  surveillance footage recorded at the apartment complex. 

This morning Jacob Cruz was arraigned on the following charges in Third District Court: 

• Felony assault with a Dangerous Weapon (4 counts) 
• License or permit required for carrying a pistol 
• Drive-by shootings 
• Firing in a compact area 

Cruz's bail was set at $50,000 with surety. His next court date is July 13, 2022. The juvenile was released to a parent and will be referred to the Rhode Island Family Court.