20-year-old Rhode Island probation violator arrested after reported shooting and robbery at playground

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI -East Providence Police report the arrest of 20-year-old Pawtucket resident, Jose Hernandez.

Hernandez was taken into custody in Pawtucket early Wednesday morning by the Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force.

Hernandez was wanted for the shooting and robbery of an East Providence man that occurred at the Hull Street playground on December 26, 2023.

Shortly after the shooting, Detective Stephen DeMedeiros and Detective Patrick Kelley were able to identify Hernandez as the person responsible for the shooting. The victim has since been released from the hospital. The investigation is ongoing.

Hernandez was arraigned on the charges of Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony, Robbery – 1st Degree, Using a Firearm when Committing a Crime of Violence, License or Permit Required for Carrying Pistol, Firing in a Compact Area, and Conspiracy.

Hernandez was also presented as a Superior Court probation violator on two previous first-degree robbery charges.

East Providence Police Chief Christopher Francesconi said, “Senseless violence such as this, especially in one of our community parks, will not be tolerated. I would like to commend the members of our Detective Division for their excellent investigatory work which led to the quick identification of the suspect. I would also like to thank the U.S. Marshalls and members of Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force for their rapid arrest of Hernandez.”‘