Police patrols boosted in Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – One city councilman is taking steps to combat the recent outbreaks of violence in at least one section of the capital city.

Back in May, Councilman Michael Correia insisted on additional patrols in his ward of the city.

Since then, additional patrols have been added for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in the areas of Mt. Pleasant Ave., Manton Ave. and Fruit Hill Ave.

Correia says that the beefed-up patrols have helped disperse the gang-related violence, and that other councilmen have also insisted on similar patrols in their wards.

The concerns were elevated after five homicides occurred in the city in June alone and nearly 50 shootings since the year began.

Correia tells Eyewitness News that he will be holding a community meeting on Tuesday June 26 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the corner of Academy Ave. and Dover St. so people can come together to find solutions to the violence.