Police: West Warwick shooting victim may have been targeted

WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — West Warwick police responded to Tanglewood Village Apartments for a reported shooting incident Monday at 7:20 a.m.. 

Residents of the complex woke up shocked Monday morning to see dozens of police officers in their quiet neighborhood.

An early morning shooting of a 29-year-old male victim took place in the visitors parking lot of the complex while the victim was sitting in his vehicle.  

The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The suspect was last seen fleeing the area in a vehicle and has not yet been identified, and police believe the victim may have been targeted.

A portion of Tanglewood Drive was closed to through-traffic for a period of two hours while the investigation took place.

“They heard what sounded like firecrackers going off but obviously wasn’t,” said Jon Almeida of West Warwick.  

Almeida lives a few buildings over in the West Warwick community, and told ABC6 he was woken up by the sirens.  

A car was removed from the scene with what appeared to be a bullet-hole covered driver’s side window. 

“I’ve seen that car here. Just shocked. Especially when they just drove it by and to see all those gunshot holes. That’s scary,” said Almeida. 

“They have sent out texts called a few times just to let us know they’re safe inside the school. They’re not letting the kids out of the school obviously,” said Almedia.  

“I kept them out of school. I didn’t feel comfortable just the way it is. As a precaution,” said Almeida. 

In a statement Superintendent of West Warwick Public Schools Karen Tarasevich stated that a shelter in place had been issued for Horgan Elementary School, Deering Middle School and West Warwick High School at the advisement of West Warwick police. 

This is a developing story, ABC6 will bring more updates as they become available.