PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A man was shot to death at a Providence smoke shop early Wednesday morning, police said, the city’s fourth homicide in less than two weeks.
The 33-year-old victim from Pawtucket was one of three men and two women at the smoke shop at the intersection of Branch Avenue and Veazie Street at about 2:45 a.m., Maj. David Lapatin said.
As they were leaving the business, two people, at least one of whom was armed with a gun, forced them back inside and shot the victim several times. The victim may have been targeted and the shooting may have been gang-related, Lapatin said. It does not appear to be a robbery, he said.
The victim was taken to the hospital where he died.
His name was not made public.
No arrests have been made.
There have now been nine homicides in Providence this year, but four since Aug. 8. No one has been arrested in connection with the latest four, but Lapatin said investigators are making progress.
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