News Summary
In a disturbing incident, a 29-year-old North Providence Public Works employee, Alessio Dandrea, has been charged with poisoning a coworker by replacing their drink with toxic fluid. Witnesses reported the act, and the victim required hospitalization after ingesting the harmful substance. Dandrea, already facing federal charges related to firearms, has been placed on unpaid leave while the investigation continues, raising concerns about workplace safety and employee conduct within the community.
North Providence – A 29-year-old employee of the North Providence Public Works Department, Alessio Dandrea, has been charged with poisoning a coworker by allegedly replacing the victim’s drink with a toxic fluid. This shocking incident has left the local community in disbelief and raised serious questions about workplace safety.
The incident occurred when Dandrea reportedly poured out a coworker’s Gatorade and replaced it with automobile window wash fluid, a substance known for containing methanol, which is highly toxic and potentially fatal if ingested. Multiple coworkers witnessed Dandrea switching the beverages, an act that could jeopardize the health and well-being of those in the workplace.
The victim ingested the window wash fluid and subsequently fell ill, requiring hospitalization on two different occasions. Following the incident, the North Providence Police confirmed that an investigation was initiated to gather evidence and understand the circumstances surrounding the poisoning accusation.
On July 2, Dandrea surrendered to the authorities and faced a felony charge of poisoning. This incident is particularly concerning, as Dandrea was already on bail dealing with multiple federal charges from earlier this year. Those charges included possession of unregistered firearm silencers and the unlicensed importation and transportation of a machine gun.
In a separate but related incident earlier this year, a parcel intended for Dandrea was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The package contained an AR-15 “lightning link,” a device classified as a machine gun. A subsequent search of his residence by federal agents resulted in the seizure of 27 firearms and two silencers, one of which was affixed to a rifle, thereby escalating concerns about Dandrea’s activities and safety.
In light of these serious allegations, Bernie Salvatore, acting director of the North Providence Public Works Department, announced that Dandrea would be placed on indefinite unpaid leave. The city is taking the matter seriously, as Dandrea has been with the department for approximately a year and is a union member.
Local officials have reacted to the incident with a mix of shock and concern. North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi described Dandrea’s actions as appearing to be more of a “juvenile” prank rather than a calculated, vindictive act. The community hopes for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and safety within the workplace.
The coworker who was poisoned is now reported to be recovering at home, but the incident has drawn attention to the potential dangers present in workplace environments and the severe implications of such reckless behavior. As of now, North Providence Police Chief Alfredo Ruggiero stated that the detective division is actively processing the investigation, aiming to conclude its findings promptly and effectively.
This situation serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with working in close quarters with others and reflects broader concerns about workplace safety and employee conduct. Authorities will be monitoring the case closely as it unfolds, with updates expected as the investigation progresses.
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Additional Resources
- GoLocalProv: North Providence Public Works Employee Charged in Poisoning
- Wikipedia: Workplace Safety
- Turn to 10: North Providence Town Employee Accused of Poisoning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Workplace Violence
- NBC Boston: North Providence Public Works Poisoning Allegations
- Google Search: North Providence Poisoning Incident
- Local 12: Man Accused of Poisoning Coworker
