Providence chase, shooting suspect arrested in Florida

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A suspect in a high-speed chase and shooting in Providence last year was arrested in Florida on Tuesday.

The Providence Police Department said 46-year-old Carlos Rodriguez was arrested by U.S. Marshals in connection with an incident in which 44-year-old Ernesto Vargas was charged in December.

According to police, on Nov. 22, 2023, around 1:30 a.m., Rodriguez and Vargas followed a car in their van and shot the driver when they came to a stop on Vandewater Street.

Officials allege that Rodriguez and Vargas chased the victim, who drove off after the shooting, pursuing at high speeds through the streets of Providence.

The victim was able to evade a second confrontation, as North Providence and Johnston police joined in the pursuit of the suspect vehicle.

The chase brought officers to Parnell Street in Providence, where authorities said both Rodriguez and Vargas exited the van and opened fire on officers around 1:45 a.m.

Vargas was taken into custody about a week later in East Greenwich, but Rodriguez escaped capture until he was apprehended in Kissimmee, Florida months later.

Rodriguez was wanted by police for three counts of felony assault as well as numerous gun-related charges stemming from the incident.

Vargas was also charged with three counts of Felony Assault.