Two men arrested after ‘brazen' shooting at R.I. shopping center

Boston Globe

10-07-2025

A retired State Police lieutenant who witnessed the shooting reported a man dressed in black fired several rounds at another man, who fled inside the store to take cover, officials said.
'A surveillance video shows the suspects waiting near LA Fitness for an extended period before ambushing the victim as he exited the gym,' police said. 'The shooter fired five rounds at close range while the target attempted to flee, ultimately taking shelter inside a nearby business.'
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No injuries were reported, according to police.
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According to authorities, the apparent target of the shooting 'refused to cooperate with investigators.' Police did not publicly identify the man, but said he has a 'lengthy criminal record and known gang affiliations in Massachusetts.'
Witnesses provided police details of the suspects' vehicle, described as a 'green/gray Kia with Massachusetts license plates,' which officials later determined was stolen from Swansea, Mass., officials said.
The description was shared with other law enforcement in the region and 'within minutes, the Rhode Island State Police located the vehicle on Route 6 and initiated a pursuit, which continued through the Smith Hill neighborhood of Providence,' authorities said.
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The chase ended in the Providence Place Mall parking garage, where both suspects attempted to flee on foot, and were apprehended by Providence police and State Police, officials said.
One of the men was found with a .25-caliber handgun, police said. Authorities intend to conduct ballistic testing to confirm whether the firearm 'matches the shell casings recovered at the scene,' police said.
According to officials, both Pizarro and Ross have 'extensive criminal histories involving violent and narcotics-related offenses.' As of late Wednesday night, both were being held at State Police headquarters and were scheduled to be arraigned Thursday morning in Providence County District Court, police said.
'This brazen act of targeted violence at one of our city's busiest and most vibrant shopping destinations is unprecedented in my tenure as chief,' Cranston Police Chief Michael Winquist, who
Pizarro was charged by Cranston police with six charges, including assault with intent to commit a specified felony, felony assault with a dangerous weapon, and discharge of a firearm while committing a crime of violence.
Ross was charged by Cranston police with intent to commit a specified felony, felony assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of felony conspiracy.
Both men also face State Police charges.
Christopher Gavin can be reached at