16-year-old from Providence arrested in drive by shooting that struck home with mother, infant, toddler, inside

The Cranston Police Department has arrested and charged a 16-year-old male from Providence in connection with a drive-by shooting that occurred on New Year’s Eve at 143/145 Pleasant Street.

According to police, officers responded to reports of shots fired into a residence. Multiple shell casings were found in the roadway, and two rounds were lodged in the exterior of a duplex home.

Inside the residence was a mother and her two young children—an infant and a toddler. One bullet penetrated the exterior wall and entered the room where the toddler was lying down, missing the child by only inches. Thankfully, no physical injuries were reported.

Detectives determined the intended target was the adjacent residence within the duplex.

Following an extensive investigation led by Detective Sergeant Jeff Chapman, with assistance from the Providence Police Department, a 16-year-old juvenile was arrested and a 9mm firearm was recovered. Forensic testing confirmed the firearm was used in the shooting.

Charges include Drive-By Shooting, Possession of a Firearm by a Minor, and Firing in a Compact Area

“This was an extremely dangerous and reckless act that could have easily resulted in the death of an innocent child,” said Major Todd Patalano. “This arrest sends a clear message that violent gun crime will not be tolerated in Cranston.”

The juvenile was taken into custody without incident and is being held at the Rhode Island Training School pending prosecution. State law prohibits the release of identifying information for juvenile suspects.

The Cranston Police Department thanked the Providence Police Department for their critical assistance in this investigation.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.