PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Providence police are investigating after two people were shot in broad daylight Friday, killing one of them and severely injuring the other.
According to Major David Lapatin, the two men in their mid- to late 20s were sitting in a car near the intersection of Putnam and Kossuth streets in the city’s Olneyville section when one or more people walked up and opened fire.
“It looks like a targeted shooting,” Lapatin said. “But that’s all we have right now.”
The two victims were taken to Rhode Island Hospital where one was pronounced dead. The second man is listed in serious condition and underwent surgery, Lapatin said, adding that police are now working to identify to two men.
As detectives searched for evidence and gathered witness statements, shell casings could be seen on the ground near the car along with glass from a shattered passenger-side window.
The shooting took place right outside the Manton Avenue Project, an after-school theater program for children.
“We are heartbroken at the terrible violence that took place today outside our Clubhouse, a place that provides safe space for our students to be themselves, and learn and grow,” executive artistic director Meg Sullivan said in a statement to 12 News.
“There was no programming in session at the time,” she continued. “Our hearts are with everyone impacted. We will continue our work to empower the empathy of young voices and support young creative thinkers to become tomorrow’s community leaders. We love you, Olneyville.”
It was Providence’s 17th homicide of the year, and the second fatal shooting in the city this week, after two people were shot early Monday morning at the University Heights apartment complex off North Main Street. A 33-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 50-year-old woman was wounded by a stray bullet that hit her in the arm as she slept inside her apartment.
