Crime
Video shows people seen fleeing ice skating rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — A youth hockey game in Pawtucket turned tragic Monday afternoon when gunfire erupted inside an indoor ice rink, leaving a young girl dead and at least four others injured, according to city officials.
The shooting occurred during a high school co-op hockey matchup at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, located on Andrew D. Ferland Way.
Authorities confirmed that multiple individuals were struck by gunfire while the game was underway, prompting panic inside the facility as players, coaches, and spectators rushed to safety.
The Mayor’s Office stated that a young girl was killed in the shooting. Four additional victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Their conditions have not yet been publicly disclosed. Officials have not released the identities of any of the victims pending notification of their families.
Law enforcement confirmed that the suspected shooter is also deceased.
Authorities have indicated they are not searching for any additional suspects.
While details surrounding the suspect’s death have not been formally released, preliminary information suggests the individual died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Early reports indicate the incident may have involved a parent or parents of student participants, though investigators have not confirmed a motive.
At the time of the shooting, a 2:00 p.m. game between the Coventry-Johnston co-op team and the St. Raphael–Providence Country Day–North Providence–North Smithfield co-op team was reportedly in progress.
Video from the scene showed people fleeing the arena in fear as emergency sirens filled the area.
An employee at a nearby Walgreens on Andrew D. Ferland Way reported that individuals ran into the store in a state of panic, stating that shots had been fired inside the rink.
Pharmacy staff were instructed to close the store and evacuate, while some individuals sheltered in place as 911 was contacted and law enforcement responded.
Police quickly secured the arena and surrounding area as part of a large-scale response. Authorities emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The investigation remains active as state and local officials work to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Additional details, including confirmation of victim conditions and further information about the suspect, are expected as the investigation continues.
Officials are urging the public to avoid the area while investigators process the scene and gather evidence.
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.