
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A suspect is in custody after a high-speed chase through East Providence ended in a three-car crash, as well as the discovery of several guns and more than a thousand rounds of ammunition.
East Providence Police Chief Christopher Francesconi tells 12 News the pursuit began in Riverside, continued through Kent Heights and ended at the intersection of Pawtucket and Taunton avenues.
Tune in to 12 News at 5 for a live report from the scene.
Police chased the suspect throughout the city but lost sight of the suspect vehicle several times, according to Francesconi. He said two East Providence police vehicles — a marked cruiser and an unmarked SUV — lost control and crashed into a home on Dover Avenue during the pursuit.
A 12 News crew spotted three significantly damaged vehicles in the Pawtucket and Taunton avenue intersection, as well as hundreds of shell casings, bullets and detached magazines on the ground.
Francesconi said investigators collected more than a thousand rounds of ammunition.
It appears the chase was prompted by a dispute between the suspect and another person. Francesconi said the suspect was shooting at homes and vehicles throughout the entirety of the pursuit.
The suspect has not yet been identified. It’s unclear at this time what charges that person will be facing.
East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva confirmed that detectives have since recovered several firearms, but are unsure if more are out there. Anyone who see a firearm is urged not to pick it up or touch it, and to instead call 911.
Pawtucket Avenue is currently closed from Taunton Avenue to Gregg’s Restaurant as the investigation continues.