UPDATE: Arrest made after student pistol-whipped by intruders, police say

January 10, 2018 5:33 pm

By: Alana Cerrone

Email: acerrone@abc6.com

Twitter: @Alana_Cerrone

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — An arrest was made in connection to an incident where a student was pistol-whipped at Juanita Sanchez School on Wednesday.

According to the Providence Police Department, a 15-year-old male was charged with one count of assault with intent to commit robbery after confessing his involvement.

“Security and safety of our schools is always a priority,” said Providence Superintendent, Christopher Maher.

According to a police report, on Wednesday a student held the door open to let two unknown people inside the building just before 10:00 a.m. They had a black handgun and hit an 18-year-old male student in the head, telling him to empty his pockets.

The victim fought back and the two suspects ran off. Meanwhile, the school was put on lockdown, and access to nearby schools was restricted.

The person who opened the door was taken in for questioning.

Maher says letting people inside the school negates the purpose of having locked doors.

“It’s very worrisome but the good news is the doors are secured on the outside. It’s important that students do not let in outsiders. We have secure buildings but they’re only as secure as we keep them,” said Superintendent Maher.

In this case, he says, school surveillance cameras helped them in their investigation and more may be on the horizon as the district considers expanding cameras throughout school buildings.

“We are interested in expanding cameras in the building especially if it leads to improved safety and security,” said Superintendent Maher.

The 15-year-old was sent to Family Court Thursday afternoon.