Cranston, Rhode Island – Police in Cranston, Rhode Island have successfully apprehended a suspect in connection with a violent carjacking that occurred on Friday morning. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Matthew Figueroa Hernandez from Providence, was located and captured in North Kingstown. The Cranston Police Department has confirmed his arrest.
Figueroa Hernandez is facing several charges, including first-degree robbery, assault on a person over 60 resulting in serious bodily injury, domestic simple assault and battery, and domestic disorderly conduct. The police responded to the scene on Pontiac Avenue after receiving reports of an assault, where a heavy police presence was noted around 6:09 a.m.
According to officials, the victim, a 70-year-old man, was violently assaulted after being flagged down by a man who proceeded to pull him from his vehicle and attack him. The suspect then fled the scene in the stolen vehicle with a female companion. Home surveillance footage captured part of the incident, aiding in the investigation.
The victim sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment. The community was shocked by the unusual and violent nature of the incident, as neighbors described the area as typically quiet. The suspect’s vehicle, a black 2014 Toyota Corolla with Rhode Island registration 363-706, was also recovered by the authorities.
After a search for the suspects and the stolen vehicle, they were eventually located in North Kingstown. Figueroa Hernandez was arraigned by a bail commissioner and is being held without bail. He is scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment next Monday. The police department had initially issued alerts that the male suspect may have been armed with a knife, heightening concerns during the search.
Overall, the incident has shaken the community, with residents expressing unease over the unexpected violence in what was typically a tranquil neighborhood. The successful apprehension of the suspect brings a sense of relief to the community, as authorities work to ensure the safety and security of all residents in the area.