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.
Crime
Brian Elliott identified as police officer shot and killed in Beech Grove
A blue alert was just issued for Kenneth Johnson. He is wanted in connection to the shooting of two Beech Grove officers.
BEECH GROVE, Ind. — One police officer was killed and another wounded Monday evening in a shooting in Beech Grove, prompting a statewide Blue Alert and an extensive manhunt for the suspect, who remains at large.
The fallen officer has been identified as 33-year-old Brian Elliott of the Beech Grove Police Department (BGPD). A second officer, whose name has not been released, was also shot and is reported to be in stable condition and expected to survive.
The Indiana State Police (ISP) has issued a Blue Alert for 47-year-old Kenneth Terrell Johnson in connection with the shooting.
Johnson is described as a Black male, approximately 6 feet tall, weighing 165 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Authorities say he was last seen wearing a royal blue sweatshirt and blue pants. His last known location was in Beech Grove, southeast of downtown Indianapolis, at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Johnson is considered armed and dangerous. Law enforcement officials are urging the public not to approach him. Anyone who sees Johnson is instructed to contact ISP’s Indianapolis District at (317) 899-8577 or call 911 immediately.
According to ISP Sgt. John Perrine, Johnson is wanted for his alleged involvement in injuring a law enforcement officer.
Police were initially dispatched at approximately 5:37 p.m. to the 100 block of Diplomat Court in response to a reported disturbance inside an apartment unit. Minutes later, at approximately 5:45 p.m., the call was upgraded to a “gunshot scene unsafe.”
Authorities allege that Johnson opened fire on two Beech Grove officers as they responded to the disturbance. The suspect then fled the area on foot, triggering a large-scale law enforcement response.
Around 6:10 p.m., the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) shut down Emerson Avenue from Churchman Avenue to Interstate 465 as officers searched for the suspect. Residents were advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
Law enforcement deployed helicopters, K-9 units, and additional resources as part of the ongoing search.
The shooting occurred near Beech Grove High School, prompting an immediate lockdown of the campus. Although classes had already been dismissed for the day, students were still on site for after-school activities, including sports practices.
School administrators confirmed that all students and staff who were present during the lockdown remained safe and were later reunited with their families. In a statement, school officials indicated that law enforcement had searched and cleared the building.
Beech Grove City Schools plans to hold in-person classes as scheduled on Tuesday, pending any updated guidance from law enforcement. Counselors and support staff will be available to assist students and staff impacted by the traumatic event.
In a message to families, school administrators expressed sympathy for the injured officers and their families and encouraged the community to support one another.
In a statement, Beech Grove Police Chief Michael Maurice confirmed that Officer Brian Elliott was fatally wounded during the response.
According to Chief Maurice, Elliott and two other officers were dispatched at approximately 6:08 p.m. to the 100 block of Diplomat Court for a disturbance. Upon arrival, Elliott and another officer were shot.
Both officers were transported to Eskenazi Hospital. Despite extensive lifesaving efforts by medical personnel, Officer Elliott succumbed to his injuries. The second officer remains hospitalized in stable condition.
Elliott had served with BGPD for two years and previously worked with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department. He was described as a lifelong member of the Beech Grove community who had long aspired to serve as a local police officer.
“My heart goes out to Brian’s wife, Erin, his parents, and all of his family, friends, and loved ones,” Chief Maurice said. “At this time, I am asking that we lean on one another to get through this. We are grateful to the team at Eskenazi Hospital, and our law enforcement and community partners for their extraordinary response and support.”
According to Indiana State Police, a Blue Alert is a statewide notification system used to disseminate information when a law enforcement officer has been killed, seriously injured, or gone missing in the line of duty. The alert can also be used to provide information about suspects believed to be responsible for injuring or killing an officer.
As of the latest update, Kenneth Terrell Johnson remains at large. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately.
This remains an active investigation, and additional details are expected as they become available.