At approximately 5:18 PM, 10/28/2009, Warwick police responded to a report of a robbery in progress at ALDI Foods, 444 Quaker Lane. Upon arrival they were met by a worker who stated a white male subject wearing blue jeans & a navy blue rain hoodie with hat & hood drawn over his head, 6’2” tall with a mustache 7 approximately 50-55 years of age, walked up to her handing her a note telling her that this was a holdup, that he had a weapon and to give him all the money . The worker complied and the subject exited the building making of with approx. $920.00. Detectives and BCI responded to the scene and the investigation is on-going.

At approximately 9:37 PM, same date, police responded to MOTEL-6, 20 Jefferson Blvd., for a report of a robbery in progress. At the scene, police interviewed the victim, Mr. Jason Petrunak of 731 Tuscareka Rd., Windber, Pa. who stated that a subject known to him stole a large amount of money from the center console of his vehicle while they were talking. Detectives and members of the Special Operations Group are continuing this investigation.

At approximately 11:14 PM, same date, police responded to the area of 8 King St. for a report of shots fired at which time police engage in a short but unsuccessful foot pursuit with two unidentified males running from this residence. Further investigation revealed that a subject residing at this location identified as Matthew McGowan, age 22, was suffering from gunshot wounds to his lower torso area. At this point, information received from witnesses describe this situation as a “house invasion” style robbery in which two subjects described as possibly Asian males knocked on the door then forced their way into the apartment, a struggle takes place with the shooting victim and his wife, shots then fired from what is believed to be a large caliber weapon. Mr. McGowan was taken by rescue to Rhode Island Hospital where he is in critical but stable condition after surgery for his wounds. Detectives and BCI responded to the scene and have taken over this on-going investigation. It is believed that this is not a random act but a specifically targeted incident.

Further media/press inquiries should be directed to Major Mike Babula, Operations Director (468-4364) and/or Captain Sean Collins, Detective Div. Cmdr. (468-4232).

-From the Warwick Police