Pawtucket is ramping up police patrols following a concerning increase in gun violence, as Police Chief Tina Goncalves collaborates with the Nonviolence Institute to address the city’s challenges. In just the past month, police received multiple reports of shots fired, culminating in two tragic deaths, including that of 19-year-old Jesse Baptista, who was fatally shot on April 29.
In addition, 28-year-old Brandon Kjenstad was killed on May 5 while trying to protect his family, drawing attention to the local community’s heartbreak over escalating violence. With the recent surge prompting urgent action, the police department is adding bike patrol units to affected neighborhoods. The ongoing investigations into these incidents have led to charges against 37-year-old Eric Peterson, highlighting the complexity and urgency of the situation.
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