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Providence “mass shooting”
UPDATES AT BOTTOM OF PAGE
8 shot (1 injured by glass), at least 3 critical as rival groups, known to the Providence Police Department, exploded into gunfire last night around 6:30pm at a home at 87 Carolina Avenue in Providence, off of Narragansett Boulevard/Allens Avenue. While only preliminary reports were given by Providence Police Chief Clements last night, it was believed that a car drove up to the home and shots were fired into the home, which were returned. It is not thought that any bystanders” were caught in the crossfire. A multitude of guns were involved, revolver type weapons, at least 4. Dozens of shell casings were found throughout the area.
One victim was taken to the hospital by rescue – all others were driven by individuals to the emergency room at nearby Rhode Island Hospital. Security was provided at the hospital while victims were treated. As of this morning, the hospital emergency room remained on lockdown.
Clements responded to a question by a reporter if this was considered a mass shooting by saying that yes, it was, as it was a shooting of more than 4 people. It is the largest shooting known in Providence history. All involved were said to be between 19 and 25 years old, 1 female and 8 males.
In his comments, Clements said, “these are groups that we are familiar with – this was not random – it was targeted at that address”.
The home is owned by 26 year-old Daniel Carides’ father, David. Daniel Carides had been investigated in 2017 for buying and selling guns, without a gun dealers license. When police went to the Carolina Street home to question Carides they found more than 10 guns in the residence.
He was also charged with selling two guns to members of the Lakeside Street gang – of which police said he is also a member. Detectives seized two shotguns, three rifles, four pistols, several magazines for the weapons, boxes of ammunition and a ballistic vest. He was reported to be charged with two felony counts of illegal sale of a concealable weapon. However, Carides was charged with 1 count regarding possession of a pistol and was sentenced in 2018 to 2 years.
In 2019 he was involved, with his younger brother, in an incident with a knife and a Central High School coach, reportedly charged with a misdemeanor of disorderly conduct. The 2019 reported incident is not found on court records.
Providence Mayor Elorza said, “this has to stop – the young people involved think the way to settle their differences is with a handgun – that can’t be the way”. Elorza also encouraged the victims to come forward with information about who did this and “let us do our jobs”.
Sabina Matos, RI Lieutenant Governor posted on Twitter: “This is a tragic day for Providence. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the Carolina Avenue shooting, their families, and everyone who suddenly had their neighborhood become the site of horrific violence.”
This is a developing story.
UPDATES:
Providence Police Chief Clements in radio interview with Gene Valicenti, WPRO says the police are very familiar with the groups which are neighborhood gangs in a vicious cycle of retaliation for old issues. Availability of firearms is the main issue. Gangs are primarily Latin gangs, one previously from Silver Lake, others from South Providence. “We had a handle on all this a year ago” – but since the pandemic there seems to be no respect for life. The gangs are emboldened. This incident was 4-5 people at the home on the porch, a “truck”/car comes by and at least 3 people jump out and shoots and their fire is returned. Semiautomatic pistols. RI Hospital remains on lockdown.
Providence Journal: “As of late Thursday, two victims were in the operating room, and the others were stable with “multiple different wounds – arms, legs, one in the chest,” according to Lisa Pina-Warren, director of victim services and street outreach for the Nonviolence Institute”.
Mayor Elorza press conference: a few have been released from the hospital – all are expected to survive. One group had 3-5 firearms – they drove up to the home. Return gunfire by at least 2.
Sen. Sara Mack and others talked about not blaming our young people – look at bad schools, housing, etc. Systemic poverty. Gives long list of what the community needs to prevent this from a root cause way.
Nonviolence Institute: “All young people want is to be seen and to be heard – but they have lost hope”.
Press Conference May 14, 3:20pm – Providence Police: At least 40 rounds were fired at the house – at least two individuals on the porch of the house returned fire, with several rounds. At least 5 firearms involved. We used a search warrant and recovered 6 pistols and 2 rifles from the home. In 2017, 10 firearms were uncovered (5 of each). In the vehicle used to drop off at least 3 victims at the hospital – police found the truck. 7 hospitalized; 3 in critical condition. When these people are released from medical care, they will be taken into custody.
Fullest extent of the law will be used to prosecute these people. Gangs are now all over the city, so even if they are called Lakeside, they could be anywhere in the city. It is new to the city that everyone has a gun and they are automatic and spray with so many rounds of shots.
Guns being procured by house breaks, straw sales, handed down in families, etc. Not a case of gun sales. In the 2017 case where individual was charged, guns were displayed (see photo, above).