Providence man arraigned on additional charges in fentanyl-related death of 15-year old female

Earlier this week, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, Col. Oscar Perez of the Providence Police Department, and Warwick Police Chief Colonel Bradford Connor announced that a Providence man has been arraigned in Third Division District Court on charges stemming from the fentanyl-related death of a 15-year-old female.

Juan Pizarro, 34, was arraigned  April 17 and charged with engaging in a controlled substance transaction resulting in death of a minor. The defendant is currently being held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI).

On April 4, the defendant was arrested by the Warwick Police Department and charged with delivery of fentanyl to person under the age of 18. Following further investigation by the Warwick and Providence Police Departments, and the Office of the Attorney General, the defendant was arraigned on the additional charge of engaging in a controlled substance transaction resulting in death of a minor.

As alleged in court filings, in the afternoon of April 3, Providence Police responded to a report of a death of a 15-year-old female. It is alleged that the 15-year-old victim, and an unnamed 13-year-old female, were with the defendant at Motel 6 in Warwick. It is further alleged that the defendant, while at the motel, provided the 15-year-old victim and a 13-year-old female with marijuana and a pill which was later confirmed by the state Medical Examiner’s Office to contain fentanyl.

On April 4, the state Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy that revealed the presence of both THC and fentanyl in the system of the 15-year old. The 13-year-old victim received treatment at Hasbro’s Children's Hospital and was later released.

That day, Warwick Police arrested the defendant who was then arraigned in Third Division District Court where he was denied bail and ordered held at the ACI.

A status conference is scheduled for May 1, 2023.

K9 assisted in tacking down burglary suspects

During the early morning hours of April 2nd, the Warwick Police Department responded to 150 Plan Way, the Warwick UPS Hub for a burglary in progress. Upon arrival at the scene, uniformed patrol officers of the third platoon and the Rhode Island State Police established a large perimeter due to the fact the suspects had fled from the scene. 

With the assistance of RISP K9 Trooper Brad Nuhn and his partner K9 Miel and K9 Officer Tim Lipka and his partner K9 Haki conducted simultaneous tracks of the area. K9 Haki was able to track all 3 subjects that fled and were all apprehended by Officer Lipka and Haki without incident.

Shamaire Brown 18 of Philadelphia, Pa and Aboudramane Karamoko 19 of Philadelphia, Pa were charged with breaking/entering of business. Also apprehended was a 16-year-old from Philadelphia, Pa who was charged with breaking/entering of a business, obstructing an officer in the execution of duties, and fugitive from justice.

Coyote sightings

The police department, Warwick City Hall, and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management have been receiving multiple calls regarding coyotes.  According  to police, the DEM said none of the behavior described is abnormal.  On its website, police reminded residents “these are wild animals and it is not uncommon to see them during the day due to the fact they are not strictly nocturnal.”

Police offered the following advice should you see a coyote:

• Don't be alarmed
• Stay at least 150 feet (45 meters) or more from the animal.
• Supervise pets. Walk dogs on a leash and keep cats inside for safety.
• DO NOT FEED. Keeping coyotes wild is the key to coexistence. Their life and your safety depend upon coyotes remaining naturally wary of people