Pawtucket Shooting: Two Charged After Nine Shots Fired Into Apartment, Bullet Hits Child’s Bedroom

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Two people have been arrested and charged after police say nine shots were fired into an apartment and the surrounding area late Tuesday night, with one bullet entering a child’s bedroom and striking the headboard.

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The incident happened on August 25, 2026, at approximately 11:30 p.m., when Pawtucket police officers were dispatched to 560 Prospect St. following reports of several shots fired.

When officers arrived, they discovered evidence indicating that multiple rounds had been fired toward an apartment and the surrounding area.

Bullet enters child’s bedroom
One of the most alarming developments in the investigation was the discovery that a bullet entered a child’s bedroom and struck the headboard.

The incident occurred late at night, when residents would reasonably have been inside their homes. The fact that a round entered a child’s bedroom heightened concerns about the potential danger posed by the gunfire.

Police did not report that anyone was struck by gunfire during the incident.

After patrol officers secured the area, members of the department’s Major Crime Detectives were notified and responded to begin a more extensive investigation.

Detectives identify vehicle of interest
Investigators spent several hours examining evidence and developing leads.

According to Pawtucket police, detectives used FLOCK License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology, along with surveillance footage and traditional investigative techniques, to identify a vehicle believed to be connected to the shooting.

FLOCK LPR technology helped investigators track the vehicle’s movements. Police said LPR data, combined with surveillance video, placed the vehicle at the scene around the time of the shooting.

The information gave detectives a significant lead in their effort to identify those allegedly responsible.

Vehicle stopped hours later
Later that morning, police located and stopped the vehicle.

The occupants were detained, and investigators seized the vehicle as part of the continuing investigation.

Police then continued examining evidence connecting the occupants to the shooting.

The rapid identification and location of the vehicle represented a major breakthrough in the case, according to the Pawtucket Police Department.

Two suspects charged
Authorities identified the individuals allegedly involved as:

Jose Lugo Jr., born June 6, 2006

Skyla Vaillant, born April 29, 2005

Police say their investigation confirmed both Lugo and Vaillant’s involvement in the shooting.

Both have been charged with:

Felony Assault

Firing in a Compact Area

Conspiracy

The charges stem from the investigation into the gunfire at the Prospect Street apartment.

Investigation remains active
Although two suspects have now been charged, Pawtucket police emphasized that the investigation is not over.

Detectives are continuing to examine the evidence and circumstances surrounding the shooting, and authorities said the investigation may result in additional charges.

Investigators have not publicly disclosed a motive for the shooting or explained what led to the gunfire.

It also remains unclear whether the suspects knew the occupants of the apartment or whether the residence was specifically targeted.

Technology and traditional police work
Pawtucket police highlighted the collaborative investigative effort that followed the shooting.

The department credited its Major Crime Detectives and Patrol Officers for their work in securing the scene, gathering evidence and developing leads.

Police specifically noted that FLOCK LPR technology was used alongside surveillance footage and traditional investigative methods.

According to the department, the combination of these tools played a significant role in identifying the vehicle of interest and locating the suspects within only a few hours of the shooting.

Community concerns
The shooting has raised serious concerns because multiple rounds were fired toward a residential apartment late at night.

The fact that one of the bullets entered a child’s bedroom demonstrates the potential danger posed by the gunfire, even though authorities have not reported that anyone was physically struck.

Investigators will continue working to determine the complete circumstances surrounding the incident and whether other individuals were involved.

Charges are allegations
Lugo and Vaillant have been charged in connection with the shooting. The charges are allegations, and both defendants are entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.

Authorities have not released additional information that could compromise the ongoing investigation.

The Pawtucket Police Department said the investigation remains active and that additional charges could be filed as detectives continue reviewing evidence.