EP Police report arrest in local park shooting

The East Providence Police Department has announced the arrest of 20-year-old Pawtucket resident, Jose Hernandez. Captain Michael Rapoza, East Providence Police Public Information Officer, said Hernandez was taken into custody in Pawtucket early Wednesday morning by the Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force. Hernandez was wanted for the shooting and robbery of an East Providence man that occurred at the Hull Street park on December 26, 2023.

Shortly after the shooting, Detectives Stephen DeMedeiros and Patrick Kelley were able to identify Hernandez as the person responsible for the shooting. The victim has since been released from the hospital. The investigation is ongoing. Hernandez was arraigned on the following charges:

• Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony, Robbery – 1st Degre
• Using a Firearm when Committing a Crime of Violenc
• License or Permit Required for Carrying Pisto
• Firing in a Compact Are
• Conspiracy

Hernandez was also presented as a Superior Court probation violator on two previous first-degree robbery charges. East Providence Police Chief Christopher Francesconi said, “Senseless violence such as this, especially in one of our community parks, will not be tolerated.

I would like to commend the members of our Detective Division for their excellent investigatory work, which led to the quick identification of the suspect. I would also like to thank the U.S. Marshals and members of Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force for their rapid arrest of Hernandez,” added Chief Francesconi.