News Summary
Recent kidnappings in Providence have raised alarms about public safety. John Hammond was arrested for a probation violation related to a past kidnapping case, while Michael J. Guerrero faces serious charges after allegedly kidnapping a 75-year-old woman. Additionally, Angel Martinez was apprehended for abducting his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint. These incidents highlight the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing violent crimes, particularly against vulnerable individuals, prompting calls for community vigilance.
Providence – John Hammond, a 49-year-old man, was apprehended by the Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force on Tuesday and is wanted in connection with a probation violation stemming from a prior kidnapping case in Vermont. His arrest comes amidst an ongoing investigation into another kidnapping incident involving a man from Providence.
In a related case, Michael J. Guerrero, 36, was arraigned on Monday for allegedly kidnapping a 75-year-old woman in Pembroke on September 14. Guerrero’s charges include carjacking, kidnapping, indecent assault and battery on a person over 60, assault with a dangerous weapon on a person over 60, and threats to commit a crime. The incident unfolded when the elderly woman arrived at the Ninety Nine restaurant to retrieve her belongings. Guerrero, posing as a valet, offered to transport her to a rear entrance of the restaurant, only to drive her to Providence instead, where he demanded lewd acts and threatened her with a gun. The elderly woman attempted to escape when Guerrero stopped at an intersection, and he then fled the scene.
After an extensive investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Guerrero, who was ultimately captured in Rhode Island last week. He was subsequently extradited to Massachusetts for his arraignment.
In another kidnapping incident, 23-year-old Angel Martinez was arrested for allegedly abducting a woman at gunpoint on the same Thursday morning that Guerrero was captured. Providence police responded to reports of a person with a gun on Crimea Street, where witnesses stated that Martinez had threatened his ex-girlfriend and forced her into his Jeep Grand Cherokee. A BOLO (Be On the Look Out) alert was disseminated among law enforcement agencies, leading to the discovery of Martinez’s vehicle at a rest area in Madison, Connecticut. At approximately 1:57 a.m., a trooper located the vehicle, finding both Martinez and his alleged victim inside, along with a seized gun.
Martinez was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit and illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, as he did not have the necessary permit for the firearm. Providence police have secured an extraditable felony arrest warrant for Martinez, and he remains in custody with a bond set at $250,000.
The recent arrests have prompted concerns over public safety, especially given the nature of these violent offenses. With two separate kidnapping incidents occurring within a short time frame, local law enforcement agencies are reiterating their commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring the safety of the community.
This spate of kidnappings highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in addressing violent crime, particularly crimes against vulnerable populations. Members of the community are reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Providence Kidnapper Wanted Captured
- Wikipedia: Kidnapping
- Turn to 10: Providence Man Accused of Kidnapping
- Google Search: Kidnapping Providence
- ABC6: Providence Man Arrested for Kidnapping
- Google Scholar: Kidnapping Incidents
- WPRI: Providence Man Loses Appeal in Kidnapping Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kidnapping
- Turn to 10: Kidnapping in Providence Ends with Arrest
- Google News: Kidnapping Providence
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE 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.
