News Summary
Alessio D’Andrea, a North Providence town employee, was arrested for allegedly poisoning a co-worker by tampering with a beverage. D’Andrea filled a Gatorade bottle with hazardous windshield washer fluid, leading to severe methanol poisoning of a colleague. This incident has raised concerns about the town’s hiring protocols, as D’Andrea was not thoroughly background checked. His arrest comes amid previous legal troubles, including federal charges for firearm possession. As investigations continue, questions about safety and compliance in public service roles persist.
North Providence – Alessio D’Andrea, a 29-year-old town employee, was arrested on July 28, 2025, following allegations of poisoning a co-worker by tampering with a beverage. D’Andrea has been charged with felony poisoning after it was reported that he filled a Gatorade bottle with windshield washer fluid and placed the bottle in a shared refrigerator at the Department of Public Works (DPW) building.
The incident came to light when a co-worker unknowingly drank from the contaminated bottle, leading to severe symptoms, including hospitalization. The victim experienced complications from methanol poisoning and spent over a day in the hospital receiving treatment. Officials confirmed that tests conducted on the fluid from the bottle revealed the presence of methanol, a toxic substance commonly used in washer fluid.
Witnesses indicated that D’Andrea’s actions were perceived as a prank. Two other employees observed him filling the Gatorade bottle with the hazardous liquid before it was consumed by the victim. Currently, D’Andrea is on unpaid leave from his position pending the outcome of the investigation into the incident.
D’Andrea’s arrest comes in the wake of previous legal troubles. He was already facing federal charges related to the unlicensed importation of a machine gun from China and possession of an unregistered firearm silencer. At the time of his arrest for poisoning, D’Andrea was out on bond from those federal charges, where he was mandated to comply with laws and regulations, a requirement he evidently violated.
The North Providence human resources director, Joshua Hernandez, commented that a background check was not conducted during D’Andrea’s hiring process in June 2024, a lapse that has since prompted scrutiny of the town’s hiring protocols. D’Andrea reportedly expressed remorse after the poisoning incident through text messages, asking the victim to send him the bill for medical treatment incurred due to the poisoning.
In addition to the latest charges, D’Andrea’s federal case includes multiple counts of firearm possession, including 27 firearms such as an AR-15, alongside tactical components intended for converting semi-automatic weapons to automatic. The situation has raised questions about the suitability of his employment, especially in a role associated with public safety.
The North Providence police are actively reviewing the incident to assess whether any other town employees may face disciplinary action in conjunction with D’Andrea’s actions. Their findings could prompt further administrative or legal responses as the investigation unfolds.
This troubling incident has highlighted the importance of comprehensive background checks in municipal hiring processes and the potential consequences of neglecting safety and legal compliance within a workplace environment. As the investigation continues, both the town and its employees seek to understand the ramifications of this event and how it may affect the workplace culture at the Department of Public Works.
D’Andrea’s initial appearance in state court is awaited, where he will respond to the charges against him regarding the poisoning. With intense media scrutiny and community concern surrounding the safety of public employees, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with a position in public service.
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HERE Resources
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Allegations of Poisoning in North Providence Workplace
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Additional Resources
- Turn to 10 News
- WPRI
- NBC Boston
- Google Search: North Providence poisoning incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Poisoning
