UPDATED: Shooting at Garden City Ends With Arrests at Providence Place Mall
GoLocalProv News Team
UPDATED: Shooting at Garden City Ends With Arrests at Providence Place Mall
“This brazen act of targeted violence at one of our city’s busiest and most vibrant shopping destinations is unprecedented in my tenure as Chief. While the intended victim was clearly targeted, it is incredibly fortunate that no innocent bystanders were harmed. I want to commend the quick action of the witnesses, including Garden City security officers, who provided crucial and timely information. I also extend my appreciation to our dispatchers and officers who coordinated an effective response while managing a second critical incident elsewhere in the city. Lastly, I commend the brave efforts of the Rhode Island State Police and Providence Police who swiftly apprehended two dangerous individuals who posed a serious risk to public safety. The investigation remains active, and we will continue working to prevent retaliatory violence and protect our community,” said Colonel Michael Winquist.
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At approximately 11:46 a.m., Cranston Police responded to multiple reports of gunfire in front of the Verizon store located at 182 Hillside Road. A retired Rhode Island State Police Lieutenant, who witnessed the incident, reported that a male suspect dressed in black discharged several rounds at another male, who fled into the Verizon store for cover. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Witnesses provided a description of the suspect vehicle, a green/grey Kia with Massachusetts license plates, later determined to have been stolen out of Swansea, MA. The vehicle information was rapidly disseminated through regional law enforcement networks. Within minutes, the Rhode Island State Police located the vehicle on Route 6 and initiated a pursuit, which continued through the Smith Hill neighborhood of Providence.
The pursuit concluded in the Providence Place Mall parking garage, where both suspects fled on foot but were quickly apprehended by members of the Rhode Island State Police and the Providence Police Department. One suspect was found in possession of a .25 caliber handgun. Ballistic testing will be conducted to confirm if the weapon matches the shell casings recovered at the scene.
A surveillance video shows the suspects waiting near LA Fitness for an extended period before ambushing the victim as he exited the gym. The shooter fired five rounds at close range while the target attempted to flee, ultimately taking shelter inside a nearby business. The victim, who has a lengthy criminal record and known gang affiliations in Massachusetts, has refused to cooperate with investigators.
At Providence Place Mall, Rhode Island State Police and the Providence police arrested the two individuals.
According to the Providence Police, a gun was recovered, which is believed to be the weapon.
Charges by Cranston Police:
Andres Pizarro:
• Assault with Intent to Commit a Specified Felony
• Felony Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
• Discharge of a Firearm While Committing a Crime of Violence
• Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit
• Discharge of a Firearm in a Compact Area
• Felony Conspiracy (2 counts)
Andre Ross:
• Assault with Intent to Commit a Specified Felony
• Felony Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
• Felony Conspiracy (2 counts)
Ross will also be presented as a Superior Court violator after being released on bond for a previous charge of Manufacturing/Delivery/Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance
Charges by Rhode Island State Police:
Andres Pizarro:
• Carrying a Pistol Without a License
• Obstruction of an Officer
• Resisting Arrest
Andre Ross:
• Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle
• Reckless Driving/Eluding – High-Speed Pursuit
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Attended Vehicle (2 counts)
• Obstruction of an Officer
• Resisting Arrest
This story was updated at 10:43 PM