Providence police: RIPTA employee stabbed co-worker over relationship with ex-girlfriend

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — An altercation between two RIPTA employees Wednesday night resulted in a stabbing incident, according to a statement from RIPTA and a Providence police report.

According to Providence police, the incident occurred at approximately 7:16 p.m. Wednesday when officers responded to calls of a stabbing at Melrose Street and Longfellow Street.

Arriving officers entered the RIPTA building at 296 Melrose Street and observed the victim suffering from a puncture wound and applying pressure to the wound with paper towel sheets.

The victim stated that their attacker’s name was Wellington Tavarez, who was last seen in a RIPTA uniform.

Tavarez allegedly stabbed the victim after they argued over the victim being in a relationship with Tavarez’s ex-girlfriend.

Tavarez produced a knife during the argument and stabbed the victim once, according to Providence police.

Police later arrested Tavarez at his residence.

Providence police said that an unknown blue pill, cut in half, was found in Tavarez’s possession during processing at Central Station.

It was seized and earmarked to be destroyed.

The altercation between the employees resulted in a pending employment status of the alleged attacker and a further investigation.

A statement from RIPTA CEO Christopher Durand read:

We are shocked by this unfortunate isolated incident that occurred. There is no place for violence in our workplace. We are working closely with the Providence Police Department to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident, while we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our staff. I would like to thank the Providence Police Department and emergency services for their quick response.

This is a developing story, stay with ABC6 for further developments.