News Summary
A shooting incident at the Garden City Center shopping area in Cranston resulted in the arrest of two men following a brazen attack targeting a known gang member. The incident unfolded in broad daylight, with multiple shots fired as the victim sought refuge inside a store. No bystanders were injured, and the suspects were apprehended after a brief car chase. Both men, with extensive criminal backgrounds, face serious charges in connection to the incident, which raises ongoing concerns about gang violence in Rhode Island.
Cranston, Rhode Island – Two men were arrested following a brazen shooting incident at the Garden City Center shopping area on July 9, 2025, around 11:46 a.m. The shooting targeted a man with known gang affiliations from Massachusetts, marking a violent escalation in what authorities described as a targeted act of aggression.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots in front of the Verizon store, with a retired State Police lieutenant among those who observed the unfolding chaos. According to reports, a man dressed in black was seen firing multiple rounds as the intended victim sought refuge inside the Verizon store.
Surveillance footage retrieved from the area showed the suspects waiting near the LA Fitness facility before ambushing the victim as he exited the gym. As the intended target attempted to flee, the shooter discharged five rounds at close range, escalating the situation dramatically. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among bystanders during the incident.
After the shooting, the suspects escaped in a green/gray Kia, which had Massachusetts license plates and was later confirmed to be stolen from Swansea, Massachusetts. Rhode Island State Police were able to locate the stolen vehicle on Route 6, initiating a pursuit that culminated at the Providence Place Mall parking garage. Both suspects attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended by law enforcement officers shortly thereafter.
One of the suspects, identified as Andres Pizarro, 31, of Fall River, was found in possession of a .25-caliber handgun. Authorities plan to conduct ballistic testing on the firearm to determine any links to the crime scene. The second suspect, Andre Ross, 31, of Pawtucket, was also arrested during the incident.
Pizarro now faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to commit a specified felony, felony assault with a dangerous weapon, and discharge of a firearm while committing a crime of violence. Meanwhile, Ross has been charged with intent to commit a specified felony, felony assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of felony conspiracy. Both men have extensive criminal histories related to violent and narcotics offenses.
Cranston Police Chief Michael Winquist characterized the episode as a “brazen act of targeted violence” at a busy shopping destination. The men targeted a victim who, despite having a lengthy criminal record, refused to cooperate with investigators following the shooting incident. This lack of cooperation raises further questions about the complex dynamics often present in cases involving gang-related activities.
This shooting incident comes amid growing concerns about gang violence and public safety in Rhode Island, particularly in urban areas where such incidents can directly impact the community. Local authorities constantly review policing strategies and community engagement efforts in an attempt to mitigate such acts of violence.
As investigations continue, the charged individuals’ legal proceedings are expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the incident. With both men facing serious charges related to the shooting, the legal system’s response will be critical in addressing the implications of gang-related activities in the state.
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Additional Resources
- WPRI: Heavy Police Presence Outside LA Fitness in Cranston
- Boston Globe: Cranston RI Garden City Shooting Targeted a Massachusetts Man
- Hindustan Times: Garden City Center Cranston Shooting Reports
- ABC6: Shooting in Garden City Center Parking Lot in Cranston
- Patch: Ambush Gun Attack in Cranston Shopping Center Parking Lot
- Wikipedia: Gang Violence in the United States
- Google Search: Cranston RI Shooting July 2025
- Google Scholar: Gang Violence Rhode Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gang
- Google News: Cranston RI Shooting
