News Summary
In a significant operation dubbed ‘Operation Brick Houses,’ Rhode Island State Police arrested 11 individuals allegedly connected to gang activity. This extensive investigation, prompted by a highway shooting, uncovered a network involved in firearms trafficking, drug distribution, and fraud. Authorities executed over 130 search warrants, seizing firearms, illegal narcotics, and cash. The operation highlights ongoing concerns about gang-related violence in Providence and law enforcement’s efforts to address organized crime within the community.
Providence, Rhode Island – Rhode Island State Police have announced the arrests of 11 individuals with alleged gang affiliations, as part of a sweeping operation termed “Operation Brick Houses.” This extensive investigation has linked the suspects to numerous violent offenses in the Providence area.
Initiated after a highway shooting on October 21, 2023, near Providence Place Mall, the investigation has uncovered a highly organized network involved in activities including firearms trafficking, narcotics distribution, and fraud. Law enforcement executed over 130 search warrants during the operation, targeting cell phones, social media accounts, emails, and residences connected to the suspects.
During the course of the operation, authorities seized several significant items: five firearms, six high-capacity feeding devices, approximately 738 grams of illegal narcotics, and $42,000 in cash. These seizures indicate the scale and seriousness of the offenses leading to the arrests.
Enrique Miranda, a 35-year-old resident of North Providence, is one of the arrested suspects and is accused of being involved as the gunman in the aforementioned highway shooting. He has been charged with multiple offenses, including assault with intent to commit murder and various firearms offenses. Evidence collected during the investigation, including Miranda’s communications, revealed he was negotiating a firearm purchase just before the shooting took place.
Another suspect, Benjamin Garcia, aged 43, has also been arrested. Garcia’s connection to Miranda was confirmed through text messages that indicated their involvement in a firearms transfer. It is noteworthy that Garcia is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony drug charges, highlighting the repeat nature of criminal behavior among the suspects.
The list of arrested individuals includes nine others with gang affiliations, facing charges that range from attempted murder to illegal firearm sales. Several of these suspects are accused of using firearms while conducting drug-related crimes, underscoring the violence often associated with such illicit activities.
Currently, all suspects remain in custody without bail as authorities continue to process the charges against them. The operation and its outcomes have shed light on the ongoing concerns regarding gang-related violence in the Providence area, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces when tackling organized crime.
Operation Brick Houses signifies an important step in addressing gang-related violence and criminal networks within the state. It highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies to dismantle these dangerous organizations and restore safety to the community.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge as authorities continue their work to combat violence and crime in the region. Communities affected by such incidents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to assist law enforcement in these efforts.
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Additional Resources
- Turn to 10: Rhode Island State Police Arrest 11
- GoLocalProv: A Violent 70 Hours in Providence
- Providence Journal: RI College Students Worried about Political Violence
- ABC6: Sojourner House Discusses Domestic Violence
- Wikipedia: General Information
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.
