Republican mayor blasts “liberal” judge after Fall River and Rhode Island men released on bond after shopping center shooting

A Republican Rhode Island mayor had some choice words for a judge after Fall River and Rhode Island men were released on bond after a shooting.

Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Chief of the Cranston Police Department, announced the arrest of two individuals in connection with a targeted shooting that occurred Wednesday at Garden City Center. 

At approximately 11:45 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. 

Video of shooting courtesy of Cranston Police

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. 

The suspects have been identified as Andres Pizarro, age 21, of Fall River, Massachusetts and Andre Ross, age 31, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

According to police, both men have extensive criminal histories involving violent and narcotics-related offenses.

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 was 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 

On Thursday, Pizarro and Ross were issued a $100,000 surety bond at arraignment. According to a social media post by Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins, they posted bond.

“Here is the problem. Stolen car, gang members, attempted murder in a crowded area, eluding police, chase on the highway to Providence Place Mall. Guns found, arrests made. They are released already by a liberal judge. Yes, RELEASED already. What’s wrong with this picture. How do law abiding citizens get protected? Go……”

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Cranston Police Department at (401) 942-2211.