A planned drug transaction arranged through social media escalated into a violent carjacking in Providence on Sunday night, according to local law enforcement.
Police responded to reports of an armed robbery around 10:30 p.m. near the intersection of Union Avenue and Laurel Hill Avenue. Upon arrival, officers encountered a male victim who stated that he had been lured to the location under the pretense of conducting a marijuana deal.
According to the victim, he had communicated with an individual online to arrange the purchase. Upon reaching the meeting spot, he was confronted by a group of individuals—at least one of whom was armed—who proceeded to force him out of his vehicle and drive off with it.
Providence Police initiated an immediate search and later recovered the stolen vehicle in the city’s West End. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Detectives are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the area and continuing to investigate. Authorities have not released the number or identities of the suspects involved, but they confirmed the event was not random and stemmed directly from the illicit drug deal setup.
Police have used the incident to reiterate warnings against engaging in online drug transactions, emphasizing the risks associated with meeting strangers for illegal exchanges.
Anyone with information regarding the case is urged to contact Providence Police at (401) 272-3121.
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom
