Woonsocket, R.I. – Heartbreak Strikes Two Families Following Tragic Shooting and Barricade Incident on Main Street

Woonsocket, R.I. – March 11, 2025 — A violent and senseless confrontation in Woonsocket on Tuesday night has left two families devastated, one facing the heartbreaking loss of a loved one, and the other clinging to hope as they await news on the critical condition of their family member. The tragic events unfolded on Main Street, as a dispute between two men escalated into a deadly shooting and barricade situation, sending shockwaves through the community and leaving both families grappling with profound grief.

The incident began at approximately 8:45 p.m. when a verbal altercation broke out between a 57-year-old man and a 32-year-old man. The dispute quickly escalated into violence when the older man, whose identity has not been officially released, drew a firearm and fired multiple shots, striking the younger man. The victim, a 32-year-old man, was hit several times and immediately rushed to Rhode Island Hospital. His condition remains critical, and he is undergoing intensive medical treatment, fighting for his life. His family is now facing the agonizing uncertainty of his survival, unable to do anything but wait for updates as their loved one battles for his life in the hospital’s intensive care unit. Every passing hour is filled with an overwhelming sense of fear, sadness, and disbelief, as they cling to the hope that he will pull through.

For the family of the victim, the emotional toll of this tragic event is unimaginable. The young man’s family never anticipated such an outcome when their loved one simply went about his day, and now they are thrust into an emergency situation they never could have predicted. The immense pain they are enduring, coupled with the fear of what the future holds, has left them struggling to process the reality of what has happened. Their entire focus is on supporting the injured family member, praying for his recovery, and navigating the difficult, emotionally charged days ahead as they wait for any signs of improvement.

Following the shooting, the suspect – the 57-year-old man – fled the scene and barricaded himself inside a nearby apartment on Main Street. The area was immediately cordoned off by Woonsocket Police, and officers worked quickly to establish a perimeter, ensuring that the situation did not escalate further. Crisis negotiators were dispatched to try to communicate with the suspect and peacefully resolve the standoff. Despite their best efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution, the situation took a tragic turn when, before law enforcement officers could intervene, the older man fatally shot himself inside the apartment.

Law enforcement officers were unable to reach the suspect in time to prevent his death, and emergency responders transported him to Landmark Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. His family, upon learning of his death, is now left to grapple with the overwhelming grief of losing a loved one under such traumatic circumstances. The complexity of their mourning is compounded by the fact that this tragedy unfolded after a violent dispute, and they are forced to confront the emotional burden of a death that was self-inflicted. It is a loss that leaves them struggling to understand how events spiraled out of control so quickly, and they are left with questions that may never be fully answered.

For the family of the deceased suspect, the shock and grief are compounded by feelings of confusion and despair. They must now come to terms with the loss of a loved one who, in the midst of a deeply tragic and violent moment, chose to take his own life. Their sorrow is intensified by the emotional strain of having to navigate the aftermath of such a traumatic event, and they are left struggling with unanswered questions about what triggered the violent altercation in the first place. The pain of this loss will be something they carry with them for the rest of their lives.

The two families affected by this tragedy are united by their grief, but they are also bound by the complexities of the situation. One family faces the devastating loss of a loved one, while the other remains in limbo, praying for a miracle and hoping that their family member survives the critical injuries inflicted upon him.