News Summary
Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins has condemned District Court Judge Stephen Isherwood’s decision to grant bail to two suspects involved in a recent shooting. Despite their violent criminal histories, suspects Andres Pizarro and Andre Ross were released on a $100,000 bond. The incident occurred at the Garden City Center, where shots were fired by Pizarro, but thankfully, no injuries were reported. Mayor Hopkins has raised concerns about public safety and the implications of such judicial decisions on community well-being.
Cranston, RI – Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins has publicly criticized District Court Judge Stephen Isherwood for allowing two suspects involved in a shooting incident to be released on bail. The suspects, Andres Pizarro and Andre Ross, were granted a $100,000 surety bond despite their extensive criminal histories and the violent nature of the incident.
The shooting took place at the Garden City Center on Wednesday around 11:45 AM, where police received multiple reports of gunfire. Witnesses reported that Pizarro, who was dressed in black, fired several shots at another individual, who subsequently took cover inside a nearby Verizon store. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with the shooting.
Following the incident, Cranston police located a green/grey Kia that had been reported stolen from Swansea, MA. This vehicle was used by the suspects to flee the scene. Police pursued the vehicle, and the chase culminated in the Providence Place Mall parking garage, where both suspects abandoned the car and fled on foot. However, they were apprehended shortly thereafter.
Authorities discovered that Pizarro, aged 21 and hailing from Fall River, MA, was in possession of a .25 caliber handgun at the time of his arrest. Ballistic testing is currently underway to determine if the weapon is connected to the shell casings found at the shooting scene. Both Pizarro and Ross, aged 31 from Pawtucket, RI, are facing several serious charges. Pizarro has been charged with multiple felonies, including assault with intent to commit a felony, carrying a pistol without a permit, and felony conspiracy. Ross is identified as a bond violator and is ineligible for parole; he faces similar assault and conspiracy charges.
Mayor Hopkins has raised concerns about public safety in light of the suspects’ release. He emphasized the risks presented to law-abiding citizens when individuals with histories of violence are allowed back onto the streets. The incidents raised critical questions regarding how the judicial system addresses violent crimes, particularly in urban settings.
The shooting incident itself appears to have had a targeted nature, with the intended victim having a significant criminal record and established gang affiliations in Massachusetts. This individual refused to cooperate with law enforcement during the investigation.
In response to the events surrounding the shooting, the Cranston Police Department has called for anyone with additional information to come forward and assist with the investigation. The situation has sparked broader discussions about the effectiveness of the court system’s handling of violent crime and its impact on community safety.
This recent incident and the court’s decision to release the suspects have highlighted the ongoing debate about accountability and the risks posed by violent offenders who are granted bail. Community members and officials alike are grappling with concerns over safety and the implications of judicial decisions in the context of violent crime.
As the investigation continues, city officials, law enforcement, and the community remain focused on ensuring safety and preventing further incidents of violence in the area. The apprehension and charges against the suspects are only the first steps in addressing the issue of public safety regarding incidents of gun violence in Cranston and the surrounding communities.
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HERE Resources
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Shooting Incident at Cranston Shopping Center
Two Arrested in Targeted Shooting at Cranston Gym
Providence Police Officer Arrested in Drug Operation
Three Arrested Following Armed Robbery at Providence Park
Investigation into Multiple Weapon-Related Incidents in Providence
Mayoral Attendance at Gun Safety Fundraising Event
Cranston Police Officer Hospitalized After Car Crash
Additional Resources
- GoLocalProv: Cranston Mayor Blasts Judge
- Wikipedia: Criminal Justice
- Fall River Reporter: Mayor Blasts Judge
- Google Search: Cranston Mayor Hopkins
- Rhode Island Current: Cranston Mayoral Candidates Debate
- Google Scholar: Judicial Dispensation
- Providence Journal: RI Politicians and Crimes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Judiciary
- Cranston Online: Judge Flaherty Rulings
- Google News: Shooting Incident Cranston
