Crime & Safety

Police Searching for Armed Robber; Another in Custody

The State Police are asking for the public's help in tracking down a man wanted for his role in two armed robberies early Saturday morning, including a heist at the Shell gas station on Pontiac Avenue in Cranston.

Another suspect was captured inside a Dunkin' Donuts in Warwick, but he remains unidentified.

According to a release, the suspects robbed the Shell station at around 12:40 a.m, each armed with a handgun. 

An hour later, two men matching their description hit the X-Tra Mart convenience store on Tiogue Avenue in Coventry.

Coventry and West Greenwich police soon were in pursuit of a car matching the description of their getaway vehicle. The chase ended when the State Police saw them crash on the exit ramp to Route 117 off Route 95 in Warwick.

Both subjects fled, leaving one handgun in the car.

The State Police is coordinating their investigation with help from police departments in Cranston, Warwick, Coventry and West Greenwich. Law enforcement officials from the Massachusetts State Police are also involved because of a potential connection to similar robberies in that state.

The wanted suspect is described as standing about 5 feet 10 inches tall and was wearing a black down North Face jacket, light gray or brown sweat pants and brown shoes. He could be armed with a handgun.

K-9 units from the State and Warwick Police along with a thermal imager on a Massachusetts State Police helicopter are aiding in the search.

If you see the suspect, call 911 and do not approach, police advise.

"It is requested that the public immediate report any suspicious activity particularly in and around any outlying buildings on their property, as the suspect may seek refuge from the extreme cold weather conditions," the State Police said. "If suspicious activity is observed, do not approach the area and dial 911."


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