Significant Arrests Made in Providence Amid Gang Violence Surge

Law enforcement efforts in Providence to combat gang violence

News Summary

Providence police have arrested several individuals on gun and drug charges as gang violence escalates in the city. Key arrests include Nelson Forkpa, involved in a shooting incident, and Wilken Jean, facing felony assault charges. Cheyenne Delossantos was arrested after a narcotics investigation yielded large drug quantities, and George Siradze was found with a ghost gun and significant drug supplies. The police emphasize their commitment to tackling crime and restoring community safety.

Providence – In a series of significant arrests, Providence police have apprehended several individuals on gun and drug charges amid a worrying rise in gang violence within the city. The arrests come as law enforcement intensifies its efforts to combat criminal activity linked to firearms and narcotics, responding to an uptick in violence associated with gang disputes.

One of the key arrests was that of Nelson Forkpa, a Providence man previously embroiled in gang violence. Forkpa was arrested following a shooting incident where he sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Police acting on information conducted a search warrant at Forkpa’s residence, uncovering two firearms equipped with machine gun conversion devices and extended high-capacity magazines. Forkpa is now facing multiple charges, including possession of a firearm with a machine gun conversion device and possession of a ghost gun.

In another incident, Wilken Jean, a 19-year-old Providence resident, was taken into custody after allegedly striking a woman with a firearm during an altercation on June 17. Jean’s early bail was set at $25,000; however, he was held without bail owing to a prior violation linked to armed robbery and conspiracy charges. His charges include felony assault with a dangerous weapon and using a firearm during a violent crime.

The crackdown on narcotics-related offenses was headlined by the arrest of Cheyenne Delossantos, aged 30. As a result of an extensive narcotics investigation, police seized more than 750 grams of illicit drugs, including 100 grams of fentanyl, at Delossantos’ residence. Additionally, four firearms, notably high-capacity firearms and magazines, were also confiscated. Delossantos faces serious charges including possession of drugs with intent to distribute in a school zone and drug trafficking.

Furthermore, in a separate operation, police arrested George Siradze, 31, after a search on Beacon Avenue. Siradze was found in possession of a ghost gun, a shotgun, a handgun, and a staggering amount of drugs including 671 grams of cocaine, 100 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, and 17 kilograms of marijuana. The operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including Providence Police and Homeland Security, underscoring the collaborative effort to tackle organized crime.

The surge in arrests comes against a backdrop of escalating gang-related violence in Providence. Law enforcement agencies are confronting challenges as gang disputes lead to increasing incidents of shootings and drug trafficking, contributing to a climate of fear in the community. Police continue to emphasize their commitment to making the city safer through vigilant patrols and targeted investigations.

As of now, the suspects are facing serious legal repercussions that could lead to significant prison time if convicted. The authorities are sending a clear message that there will be a zero-tolerance approach towards gun violence and drug trafficking in the city, striving to restore peace and safety for its residents.