News Summary
In Cranston, Rhode Island, two suspects have been arrested following a targeted shooting incident outside an LA Fitness gym. The attack, which involved multiple shots fired, did not result in injuries, but raised public safety concerns. The suspects, identified with criminal backgrounds, fled in a stolen vehicle but were apprehended shortly after. Authorities recovered a handgun, and charges have been filed against both individuals. Police emphasize community vigilance in light of such incidents.
Cranston, RI – Two suspects have been arrested following a targeted shooting incident at Garden City Center in Cranston, Rhode Island, which occurred outside a popular LA Fitness gym. The shooting, which took place around 11:46 a.m., did not result in any injuries, but it raised significant concerns about public safety in a busy shopping area.
The suspects have been identified as 21-year-old Andres Pizarro from Fall River and 31-year-old Andre Ross from Pawtucket, both of whom have extensive criminal backgrounds. During the incident, eyewitnesses reported that multiple shots were fired at a known gang-affiliated individual as he was leaving the gym. Fortunately, the intended victim managed to escape unharmed by running into a nearby store.
The aggressive nature of the attack was underscored by eyewitness accounts, stating that at least five shots were discharged during the incident. Shell casings from these rounds were recovered at the scene, indicating that the shooter fired several rounds at close range. A retired State Police lieutenant who witnessed the event described the shooter as wearing black clothing.
After the shooting, the suspects fled the scene in a stolen green/gray Kia vehicle with Massachusetts license plates. Thanks to rapid witness reports, law enforcement was able to locate the suspect vehicle shortly after the incident. This led to a brief pursuit that culminated in both suspects being apprehended in the parking garage of the Providence Place Mall.
During the arrest, police recovered a .25-caliber handgun from one of the suspects. Authorities have indicated that ballistic testing will be conducted to determine if the handgun was used in the shooting by comparing it to the shell casings collected at the scene.
Charges have been filed against both suspects. Pizarro faces multiple serious charges, including assault with intent to commit a felony and discharge of a firearm while committing a crime of violence. Ross is facing charges for felony assault with a dangerous weapon and felony conspiracy. Additionally, Ross is presented in court as a violator for a past Superior Court charge.
Both suspects have been scheduled for arraignment on Thursday morning at the Sixth District Court in Providence. Police, while expressing their relief that no one was injured during the shooting, have raised alarms about the implications of targeted violence occurring in public places frequented by families and shoppers.
The targeted individual during the attack has not been publicly identified; however, authorities confirmed he is a known gang member with a lengthy criminal record. Despite initial speculation, police have also clarified that this shooting incident is unrelated to a separate standoff situation that occurred earlier in Warwick, RI.
As investigations continue, officials are emphasizing the importance of community awareness and cooperation in preventing such incidents. The rapid response by both eyewitnesses and law enforcement showcases effective collaboration in ensuring safety in the region, particularly in retail environments that are often bustling with activity.
Cranston Police Chief Michael Winquist has reiterated the importance of community vigilance and has committed to prioritizing safety in public areas following this alarming incident.
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Additional Resources
- Turn to 10 News
- Wikipedia: Gun violence in the United States
- WPRI News
- Google Search: targeted shooting in Rhode Island
- Boston Globe
- Google Scholar: shooting incidents in shopping areas
- GoLocal Prov
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun control
- Hindustan Times
- Google News: Cranston RI shooting
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
