News Summary
Providence is confronting issues of public safety after multiple violent events at Lovera VIP, a nightclub owned by the sister of Police Chief Oscar Perez. Recent disturbances included arrests for gun charges and fights, building upon ongoing concerns following a serious stabbing incident that injured several patrons. The situation raises questions about the club’s safety measures and the police department’s transparency, especially amid broader community anxieties for nightlife security.
Providence Experiences Violence at Police Chief’s Sister’s Club
The city of Providence is grappling with growing concerns over safety following a series of violent incidents at a local nightclub owned by Judith Perez, the sister of Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez. The latest disturbance unfolded on Saturday, resulting in the arrest of a Massachusetts man on a gun charge amidst several fights that erupted at the establishment.
This recent altercation is not an isolated event; Lovera VIP, located on Broad Street, has been implicated in two major disturbances within the past year. The previous incident, which took place on November 16, 2024, involved multiple injuries arising from a stabbing inside the club. Emergency services were called just after 1 AM when a conflict ignited in the VIP area, allegedly triggered by a patron accidentally knocking over a champagne bottle.
In the aftermath of the stabbing incident in November, two males in their 20s sustained stab wounds and required transportation to Rhode Island Hospital, while a third male in his 30s opted to self-transport to the hospital. Police reportedly discovered a disturbing trail of blood leading from the VIP section to the club’s exit, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Investigations and Responses
Despite the concerning pattern of violence linked to her club, Judith Perez has not publicly commented on either the latest disturbance or the ongoing issues at Lovera VIP. Similarly, Police Chief Oscar Perez did not respond to requests for information regarding the incidents, raising questions about transparency and accountability within the city’s police leadership.
Background Context
The club’s troubled history is further complicated by the legal challenges faced by Judith Perez’s son, “Josh” Perez, who has a significant legal record involving drug trafficking. On August 1, 2024, Josh Perez entered a guilty plea for conspiracy to distribute and possess over 400 grams of fentanyl. His actions resulted in a lengthy sentence of 22.5 years in prison and a hefty fine of $1 million imposed in December 2024, indicating serious concerns about the family’s connection to illegal activities.
The repeated incidents at Lovera VIP have sparked discussions among local officials and community members about the safety and security measures in place at the venue. As violence continues to disrupt the nightlife in Providence, residents are calling for increased scrutiny and more effective interventions to ensure that club-goers can enjoy their nights out without fear of violence or criminal activity.
As investigations into these incidents proceed, the Providence community remains vigilant and concerned about the implications of these ongoing disturbances and their potential impact on local safety. The developments at Lovera VIP serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by nightlife establishments and law enforcement in maintaining safety within urban environments.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Men Sentenced to Life for Fatal Providence Shooting
Additional Resources
- GoLocalProv: Providence Police Chief’s Sister’s Club Disturbance
- Turnto10: Large Police Presence in Downtown Providence
- ABC6: Providence Police Respond to Large Crowd Outside Club
- WPRI: Providence Night Club Fined After Disturbance
- Wikipedia: Providence, Rhode Island
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.
