PROVIDENCE – Four people were arrested after they allegedly robbed two teenagers at gunpoint at a Cranston, R.I. shopping plaza, making off with jewelry and high-end clothing, police said.
Authorities said Wednesday they arrested Jaemari Lucas, 20, of East Providence; Jonathan Brito, 18, of Providence; Helder Erben Martins, 18, of Woonsocket; and a 15-year-old Providence boy for the April 14 robbery, following an investigation that relied on social media posts, surveillance video, and eyewitness accounts.
All of the four suspects are charged with two counts of robbery in the first degree and one count of conspiracy to commit a felony, Cranston police said.
According to officials, officers responded around 5:34 p.m. to a report of an armed robbery in Chapel View Plaza, where the two victims – ages 14 and 16 – reported four men confronted them.
One of them brandished a firearm and threatened to shoot one of the teens, police allege. The suspects demanded the two teens turn over their personal belongings, including a pair of designer Balenciaga sneakers, a Spider brand sweatshirt, and jewelry, authorities said.
“The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle, later identified as a ride-share operated by a registered driver,” police said.
Through the investigation, police recovered the stolen items, officials said, noting one suspect was wearing the allegedly stolen sneakers when he was taken into custody.
Police said additional victims have since come forward “linking the same suspects to other robberies,” and that the investigation remains ongoing.
“Our officers acted swiftly and with great professionalism to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for these violent acts,” Cranston Police Chief Michael Winquist said in a statement. “We thank our partner agencies for their cooperation and urge any additional victims or witnesses to contact our department.”
Police said those with information for detectives can call 401-942-2211 or can submit an anonymous tip by testing CRANSTONPD with the tip to 847411.
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