Woonsocket man arrested for allegedly threatening coworker with grenade

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — The Woonsocket Police Department said a man was arrested after allegedly threatening a coworker at the KB Foods on Social Street with a hand grenade.

55-year-old Jorge Velazquez was charged with possession of materials convertible to a bomb or explosive, felony assault and/or battery, and disorderly conduct.

Police said that Velazquez allegedly entered the KB Foods around 10 a.m. and approached a coworker he previously had a disagreement with.

He then “handed the grenade to him in a threatening manner and made threatening remarks before taking the grenade back and leaving the business.”

The department said officers located Velazquez a short distance away from the store and he allegedly had an inert grenade with the safety pin and fuse removed on his person.

He was taken into custody, and police showed the victim the grenade, which he said had the safety pin and fuse intact at the time he was threatened.

Velazquez is currently being held by police.