Rhode Island man facing several charges after alleged alarming social media posts, standoff with police

CRANSTON, R.I. —The Cranston Police Department has announced in a release the arrest of a Rhode Island man following an investigation into threatening social media posts directed at upcoming public police events and an overnight barricade incident that concluded peacefully after extensive negotiations.

On March 11, 2026, 24-year-old Devan Garcia of Cranston allegedly posted several alarming comments on the Cranston Police Department’s Facebook page regarding two upcoming department events, including the Department’s annual memorial ceremony honoring fallen and deceased officers and the Spring Festival. In one comment, Garcia asked what officers would do “if someone was armed and dangerous, willing to fully resist until death.” He also questioned how many people would attend the events and commented, “Good to know, I’ll be there.”

Detectives also discovered that Garcia had posted videos and photographs on his personal social media accounts depicting himself with an AR-style rifle and loaded magazines. In one caption, Garcia claimed to have “better” body armor than the police. Other posts included statements such as “this weapon is for war” and a message directed at the Cranston Police Department reading, “come and take it.” Another post showed a bottle of liquor and cigar captioned, “call this one the last cig last drink.”

Based on the concerning nature of the posts, detectives immediately initiated an investigation and learned Garcia had recently purchased several firearms, including pistols and rifles, from multiple Rhode Island gun stores. Investigators also identified prior law enforcement contacts involving Garcia with other Rhode Island police agencies. In one incident, Garcia allegedly sent harassing text messages to an ex-girlfriend stating he would come to her workplace and that a SWAT team would need to be called. He also allegedly made threatening remarks indicating that if police officers came to his home, they should “talk to their wife and kids one last time.”

On May 13, 2026, detectives obtained a court-authorized exigent risk protection order and search warrant for Garcia’s residence to seize all firearms in his possession.

That evening, members of the Cranston Police Department Patrol Division and Special Reaction Team established surveillance at Garcia’s residence, waiting for him to leave the area so he could be safely detained prior to the execution of the search warrant.

On May 14, 2026, at approximately 1:30 a.m., Garcia exited the residence and drove onto Pontiac Avenue. An officer operating a marked police cruiser activated emergency lights and siren in an attempt to stop the vehicle. Garcia refused to stop, performed a U-turn, and drove directly toward an unmarked police vehicle with activated emergency lights, striking the vehicle head-on. Garcia then exited his vehicle and fled on foot, jumping fences and temporarily eluding officers before returning to his residence.

Cranston Police Crisis Negotiators established telephone contact with Garcia and family members while officers secured the perimeter around the home. The East Providence Police Department responded to provide mutual aid assistance, including deployment of its BearCat armored vehicle to protect officers and assist with the evacuation of occupants from the residence. Several family members were safely removed from the home.

During the incident, Garcia was observed moving throughout the residence and looking out windows. Officers also utilized the assistance of a police department mental health clinician. Investigators learned Garcia had retreated into the basement with firearms. After more than five hours of negotiations, Garcia exited the residence and surrendered peacefully. He was taken into custody without further incident and transported to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation.

A subsequent search of the residence resulted in the seizure of:

• One 9mm semi-automatic pistol
• One .380 semi-automatic pistol
• One camouflage AR-15 rifle
• One shotgun
• Six .223 caliber 30-round magazines
• Multiple containers of assorted ammunition
• A box containing assorted firearm parts

Upon release from the hospital, Garcia will be charged with:

• Felony Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
• Large Capacity Feeding Devices Prohibited (six counts)
• Reckless Driving/Eluding Police

“This incident highlights the importance of taking threatening behavior and concerning social media activity seriously and underscores the value of the state’s Red Flag law to remove firearms from individuals who pose an imminent threat to themselves and the public,” said Colonel Michael J. Winquist. “Thanks to the professionalism, patience, and coordination of our detectives, patrol officers, crisis negotiators, mental health clinician, Special Reaction Team members, and our law enforcement partners, this dangerous situation was resolved peacefully without injury to officers, family members, or the public.”

The investigation remains ongoing. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.