WOONSOCKET, R.I. — A 17-year-old is facing multiple charges after two women were shot early Sunday morning outside a house party on Cooper Avenue, according to police.
Shots Fired After Large Crowd Gathers
Woonsocket police were first called to the address around 12:45 a.m. Sunday for reports of a large, disruptive crowd in the street. Officers dispersed the group but were called back to the same location less than an hour later after gunfire erupted.
When officers arrived, they found the scene chaotic, with a crowd described as uncooperative and hostile. A 21-year-old woman was found on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head. As officers worked to help her, a second woman, 18, approached them, saying she was the victim’s sister and had also been struck, with a wound to her leg.
Both women were rushed to Rhode Island Hospital. As of Sunday afternoon, the 21-year-old remained in serious condition.
A witness who lives nearby said she watched the chaos unfold from her window, describing a group of teenagers running down the street before gunfire broke out and the crowd scattered.
Neighbors near the home have reportedly complained in the past about frequent noise and confrontations linked to the residence.
K9 Tracks Suspect, Firearm Recovered
A police K9 unit, working with its handler, tracked a suspect who had fled the scene on foot. The dog located a 17-year-old Woonsocket youth hiding nearby. Officers also recovered a 9mm semi-automatic pistol hidden in nearby bushes.
The teen was taken into custody and now faces several charges, including:
- Possession of a firearm by a minor
- Carrying a pistol without a permit
- Receiving stolen goods
- Obstruction
He is currently being held at the Rhode Island Training School and is expected to appear in Family Court on Monday.
Police have not released additional details about a possible motive or the relationship between the suspect and the victims. The investigation remains active, and authorities are continuing to gather information from witnesses who were present at the gathering.
No further arrests have been announced at this time. Officials have not said whether more charges could be filed as the case develops.
This is a developing story, and updates are expected as police continue their investigation into the shooting.
