NORTH SMITHFIELD – Kids throwing rocks on Providence Pike on Friday, August 26 are believed to have caused damage to three vehicles according to North Smithfield police, who were asked this week about widely-shared social media posts referencing possible shootings in the area.
According to a report on the incident obtained by NRI NOW, officers were called to the area of Providence Pike by Pound Hill Road around 8 p.m. Friday evening for reports of three vehicles with damaged windshields. The victims included two individuals from Pascoag and one from North Smithfield.
The damages were consistent on the three vehicles according to police, with one victim stating that a rock hit his vehicle, and another describing a, “loud pop.” Officers noted initially in the report that a subject in a white or red pickup truck may have been shooting a BB gun into oncoming traffic.
On Wednesday, August 31, North Smithfield Police Department Administrative Asst. Tafida Allen said that after speaking with Capt. Russell Ridge on the matter, “It is our understanding that the ‘shootings’ were actually kids throwing rocks at cars.”
The news may come as a relief for some. Posts on Facebook and the NextDoor app warned town residents about vehicles being shot at, leading to concern for many in North Smithfield.
On NextDoor, a post this week noted, “Be careful driving on Providence Pike at night. A friend was just shot at with three kids in the car. She filed a police report at the North Smithfield police and he said it’s not the first.”
On Facebook, another resident shared a picture of the damage to her neighbor’s car, also referencing a shooting incident on Providence Pike.
“There’s quite a bit of damage to the car,” wrote Picillo. “Glass even made its way to the back seat. A report was filed and the officer said it wasn’t the first occurrence.”
As of Wednesday morning, the post had been shared 245 times.
Capt. Ellen Lamoreaux clarified the information this week, noting that the initial call came in as rocks being thrown.
“The investigating officer on scene felt like the damage to the windshields and the report of the ‘pop’ sound was indicative of a BB gun being used,” Lamoreaux said. “They did not locate any BBs or rocks, in or on the windshields or vehicles, that could confirm what was used.”
Lamoreaux said there have been no arrests made in the case.
If anyone should have information about suspects in this case they should contact Ptlm. DiSprito at 401-762-1212 ext. 228
Editor’s note: The above article has been updated following information provided by Capt. Ellen Lamoreaux.
