Crime
Graphic Video Shows Suspect Shot Five Members of Student’s Family Inside Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — A high school hockey game in Pawtucket turned tragic Monday afternoon when a North Providence High School senior’s father allegedly shot five members of the same family inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena before taking his own life, according to law enforcement officials and sources familiar with the investigation.
Authorities said the shooting occurred around 2:30 p.m. during a “Senior Night” matchup featuring the Coventry-Johnston co-op team and the Blackstone Valley co-op team, which includes St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, and the public school districts of North Providence and North Smithfield.
The game drew players, students, coaches, and family members to the indoor skating rink on Andrew D. Ferland Way.
According to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the incident, the suspect opened fire on his wife and children in what authorities have described as an apparent domestic dispute.
The student’s mother was pronounced dead at the arena.
A sibling later died at the hospital.
Three additional family members were transported to Rhode Island Hospital in critical condition, a spokesperson for Brown Health confirmed late Monday.
Officials have not released the victims’ names pending notification of next of kin.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves stated that three people, including the suspected shooter, were killed in the incident, and three others were injured.
Investigators believe the suspect fatally shot his wife and multiple children before turning the gun on himself.
Authorities confirmed that the suspected gunman is deceased and that police are not seeking any additional suspects.
Video captured during a live stream of the game shows play on the ice abruptly interrupted by the sound of rapid gunfire, reportedly coming from the stands.
At least a dozen shots can be heard in quick succession, followed by additional gunfire seconds later.
Players and spectators are seen fleeing the ice and stands in panic as law enforcement rushed to the scene.
Police have urged the public not to rely on unverified social media speculation, including early claims regarding the shooter’s identity, as the investigation remains active.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien described the shooting as “tragic” but characterized it as an isolated incident. City officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Nearby businesses were also affected.
An employee at a Walgreens on Andrew D. Ferland Way reported that individuals ran into the store seeking shelter after reporting gunfire at the rink.
Store management closed the location and contacted 911 while customers and staff sheltered in place until authorities secured the area.
Law enforcement quickly established a perimeter around the arena and began interviewing witnesses. Officials have not disclosed a definitive motive beyond describing the shooting as family-related.
They also have not publicly confirmed the total number of shots fired.
The investigation remains ongoing as state and local authorities work to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Additional updates are expected as more information becomes available.
A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Chester County on Sunday night, authorities confirmed.
The fallen officer was identified as Timothy O’Connor, a corporal with the Pennsylvania State Police.
Officials said O’Connor is survived by his wife, Casey, and their young daughter, along with his parents, Maureen and Tim.
Shortly after midnight Monday, Josh Shapiro, governor of Pennsylvania, announced the tragic news and ordered flags across the commonwealth to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Corporal O’Connor’s service and sacrifice.
According to George L. Bivens, acting commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, the incident began at approximately 8:16 p.m. Sunday when O’Connor responded to a report of an erratic driver in the Honey Brook area of Chester County.
Authorities said O’Connor located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop around 8:24 p.m. near the intersection of Route 10 and Michael Road in West Caln Township.
After the vehicle pulled over, O’Connor radioed in the stop — which would be the last communication officials received from him.
Investigators said that when O’Connor approached the driver’s side window, the suspect opened fire, shooting the trooper.
Police said the suspect, identified as a 32-year-old man from Chester County, then exited the vehicle, walked a short distance away, and took his own life at the scene.
When O’Connor failed to respond to follow-up radio calls, other troopers immediately rushed to the area, where they discovered the tragic situation.
O’Connor was transported to Paoli Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Governor Shapiro later said he visited the hospital with O’Connor’s family following the tragedy.
“My heart breaks for Tim and Casey’s young daughter and their entire family,” Shapiro said. “Lori and I mourn with the Pennsylvania State Police family and with all of our law enforcement partners.”
Authorities closed Route 10 between Hill Road and Lammey Road in West Caln Township as investigators processed the scene and gathered evidence.
Law enforcement officials and community members across the state have expressed condolences to O’Connor’s family, fellow troopers, and loved ones as they mourn the loss of a dedicated officer who died in the line of duty.
Officials said additional details will be released as the investigation continues.