Providence Police Seize 11 Firearms in Less Than One Week

The Providence Police Narcotics Bureau conducted an investigation which led to the seizure of 7 firearms from a home in Pawtucket last Friday, June 5. The target of this investigation, Angel Franco age 65, was selling firearms and also having large amounts of narcotics shipped to his home through the US Postal Service. 

On the morning of June 5, a controlled delivery was made by Franco. His son, Angel Franco, Jr. age 42, was given a package of suspected narcotics by his father and he then placed it in the trunk of a taxi that was bound for the Bronx, NY. The taxi was stopped by police and it was determined that the package contained over a kilo of cocaine. Franco Jr. was placed in police custody and a search warrant was executed for his home on Boutwell Street, Pawtucket. Seven firearms were seized from the home along with ammunition. The Franco's were charged with possession of 1-5 kilograms of cocaine and conspiracy. Franco Sr. was also charged with possession of a firearm after being convicted of a crime of violence, and four counts of possession of a stolen firearm. This investigation was conducted with the assistance of the Pawtucket Police Special Squad and the US Postal Inspector. The lead Providence Police Detective was Matthew Jennette.

On June 4 Detective Thomas Zincone was on Congress Avenue when he viewed a subject, Juan Lajara, age 23, holding a handgun to his side. When Lajara noticed the detective's vehicle he placed the weapon in his waistband and walked towards the porch of 85 Congress Avenue. Detective Zincone then pursued Lajara and after a brief struggle the handgun fell from his waistband also knocking the .380 magazine from the firearm. A second subject, Thomas Lumpkins, age 26, then exited the apartment. Lajara threw the gun to Lumpkins and Lumpkins went back inside the apartment. Police searched the outside area and found a .380 caliber handgun with a missing magazine on the awning of the neighboring house. After a warrant was drafted and signed a search of inside the apartment led police to an additional .30 caliber revolver, 3 grams of heroin, and 5 grams of marijuana. Lajara and Lumpkins were both charged with possession of a firearm without a license and Lumpkins was also charged with narcotics violations.

On June 7 Providence Police Task Force Officers Sean Lafferty and Matthew McGloin were patrolling the Lexington Street area when they began to be tailgated by a black sedan vehicle with its high beams activated. As officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the rear driver side door opened and a subject, Trenton Keith age 20, jumped from the moving vehicle. Keith then pointed a firearm at task force officers. After a brief chase, Keith was apprehended in the rear yard of 198 Adelaide Avenue. Police also seized a Ruger 92f with obliterated serial numbers from a trash can in the yard. Keith was charged with two counts of felony assault, possession of a firearm while committing a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm with obliterated serial numbers.

Also on June 7 Task Force Officer Eric Chabot was on patrol in the area of Hawkins Street, after police heard possible gun shots coming from the area. Officer Chabot observed a light skinned Hispanic male subject wearing a white t-shirt walking from the side of a green trash can. Officer Chabot instructed the subject to stop at which point the subject fled to 332 Hawkins Street where police were unable to gain immediate entry. Officer David Impagliazzo viewed a firearm in the green trash can which was then seized by Patrolman Chabot. The firearm was identified as an Interarms (Firestar) 9mm with one round in the chamber and five rounds in the magazine. 332 Hawkins Street was searched for resident safety.

"Providence is fortunate to have such a capable and distinguished police department," said Mayor Jorge Elorza. "I commend recent efforts to keep illegal guns off of our streets. Residents, businesses and visitors can be assured that our commitment to keeping this city safe will not waiver."

"These incidents are all examples of the challenges that the members of the Providence Police Department are faced with every day involving gangs, drugs, and firearms. I commend all of our dedicated officers who are committed to protecting this City and its residents," said Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr.