News Summary
Authorities are investigating a disturbing incident at Rhode Island College’s concession stand where a man locked himself in with a female employee and made threatening demands. The suspect fled shortly after the encounter, prompting increased police patrols on campus. In a related case, North Providence police are seeking assistance in locating a missing 16-year-old girl. Local communities are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as investigations continue.
North Providence – Authorities are on the lookout for a man involved in a troubling incident at Rhode Island College’s concession stand. The incident took place on Monday, where the suspect allegedly locked himself inside the concession stand with a female employee. He reportedly demanded that she get on her knees during the encounter, before fleeing the scene shortly after. North Providence police and Rhode Island College campus police are collaborating in their search for the individual.
John Taraborelli, the Director of Communications for Rhode Island College, confirmed the details surrounding the incident. In response to the reported crime, both police departments have ramped up their efforts, increasing patrols and maintaining heightened vigilance across the campus to ensure student safety.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity or whereabouts to come forward and contact the police to assist in the investigation. While specific details about the suspect have not been released, police have indicated that every lead is important in identifying him and bringing him to justice.
In a separate case, the North Providence police are also seeking help in locating a missing 16-year-old girl named Divyne Smith. Divyne was last seen on May 20 at North Providence High School during the dismissal period and has not been reported seen since. The local police department is actively investigating her disappearance and advocating for public assistance.
Divyne Smith is described as standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 150 pounds. She has brown eyes and wavy brown hair. When she was last spotted, she was wearing gray sweatpants, a gray hooded sweatshirt, and gray New Balance sneakers. Additionally, she was carrying a black backpack. Local authorities are particularly concerned as Divyne frequently travels within the Providence and Pawtucket areas using RIPTA for transportation.
Authorities are urging anyone who has seen Divyne or has any information regarding her current location to reach out to the North Providence Police Department at 401-231-4533. The police have emphasized the importance of community awareness in cases of missing individuals, and they are committed to utilizing all available resources to find her.
The recent incidents have heightened concerns among local residents and the college community. North Providence police are working tirelessly to address both the alarming situation involving the concession stand incident and the ongoing case of the missing teenager. Officers are encouraging everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to ensure the safety of the community.
As investigations continue, the police remain dedicated to providing updates as new information emerges. They strongly encourage citizens to be proactive while maintaining safety precautions, particularly in light of recent events affecting public welfare in the North Providence area.
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Additional Resources
- ABC6 News
- Wikipedia: North Providence, Rhode Island
- Valley Breeze
- Google Search: missing teen North Providence
- Turn to 10 News
- Google Scholar: Rhode Island Crime
- WPRI News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF 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.
