Person hospitalized after home invasion in Cranston
CRANSTON. R.I. (WJAR) — Cranston police said a person was hospitalized following a home invasion on Smith Street Wednesday night.
Police said they believe three people, two of them armed,showed up at a house on Smith Street.
They entered the house and had an altercation with a person inside who was also armed, according to the Cranston Police Department.
A shootout occurred and continued outside the home, where several cars and houses were hit.
Police said the suspects knew each other and were recently involved in a similar incident.
Police Chief Michael Winquist said the person was targeted a month ago and believes Wednesday's incident was a continuation.
"It was probably about a month or two back, some of the same individuals were involved in that we believe that person was targeted back then and we believe that is the case again. A lot of times individuals put stuff on social media and they're flashing money and things like that, and they actually make themselves an attractive target for this type of activity,” Winquist said Wednesday night.
The department said it was looking for two suspects who took off from the scene.
Another refused to cooperate and left the hospital.
Police later arrested 21-year-old Samuel Diaz of Providence in the immediate area with a loaded handgun. He was charged with carrying a pistol without a license.
The department said Friday that Diaz was in the house and was leaving the area when an officer confronted him. The officer patted him down and discovered the weapon.
At the moment, it is unknown what role he played in the home invasion.
Police said they are not receiving cooperation from witnesses or victims in the case.
Police are asking neighbors to share any surveillance video or information with the department.