Police pursue a suspect through East Providence streets during a firearms-related incident.
Joshua Pavao, a 45-year-old man from Florida, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after being convicted of multiple firearm-related offenses following a high-speed chase in East Providence. The pursuit was triggered by reports of shots fired, and police discovered several loaded firearms and ammunition in and around his vehicle. Pavao also had modified weapons at his home. The case highlights ongoing concerns about illegal firearm possession and public safety.
A Florida man, Joshua Pavao, aged 45, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after being convicted on multiple firearm-related charges stemming from a high-speed chase in East Providence in December 2023. Pavao’s conviction includes possession of a machine gun and possession of an unregistered firearm.
The legal troubles for Pavao began on December 2023 when local police received reports of shots fired. This led to a high-speed pursuit involving Pavao, who was apprehended after fleeing his vehicle on foot. The chase reportedly resulted in several vehicle crashes. During the incident, officers discovered three loaded firearms, a substantial quantity of ammunition, and loaded gun magazines within and around his vehicle.
Further investigation into Pavao’s activities revealed that a court-authorized search of his residence in Coventry uncovered eight long guns. Notably, four of these firearms were modified with an auto sear machine gun conversion device, allowing them to operate as fully-automatic weapons. Pavao had previously admitted guilt in February for possessing firearms altered to function as machine guns.
The initial incident that precipitated the chase involved Pavao using a pellet gun to shoot out a window of his former girlfriend’s vehicle in East Providence. Following this act, the police chase ensued, during which Pavao discarded critical evidence, including a gun magazine, a backpack with three handguns, and a bulletproof vest. The pursuit’s chaotic nature caused ammunition to scatter across the streets, and additional ammo was still found in his car when he was arrested.
In addition to the recent charges, investigators also located a red duffel bag belonging to Pavao at his girlfriend’s home in Coventry. This bag contained eight long guns and four high-capacity magazine gun magazines. Other pending charges against him include drive-by shooting and carrying a gun without a license, which are set to be handled in Providence County Superior Court.
The case was overseen by US District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly Jr.. The entire investigation was carried out by the East Providence police department, with assistance from the Coventry police and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This incident sheds light on ongoing concerns related to firearm possession and the potential dangers posed by individuals possessing illegally modified weapons. The consequences of such actions extend beyond legal penalties, raising questions about public safety and the effectiveness of regulations surrounding firearms.
As Joshua Pavao begins his prison sentence, authorities continue to investigate his prior activities and connections to potential additional criminal behavior. The case underscores the complexities surrounding gun control and the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing firearm-related crimes.
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