PAWTUCKET, R.I. — October 7, 2026: What initially appeared to be a major police operation early Wednesday morning turned out to be a significant development in an ongoing shooting investigation.
While covering an unrelated accident in East Providence, a local journalist encountered a large Pawtucket Police presence and officers conducting an operation at a residence. At the time, the purpose of the activity was not immediately known.
It was later confirmed through a Pawtucket Police Department release that officers were executing search warrants at two locations as part of an investigation into a September 24 shooting on Mineral Spring Avenue. Two 21-year-old Pawtucket men were taken into custody during the operation.
September Shooting Left Man Wounded
Police said the original shooting occurred at approximately 3:37 p.m. on September 24 on Mineral Spring Avenue.
A male victim suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. He was initially reported to be in stable condition and has since been released from the hospital, according to police.
Following the shooting, detectives with the Pawtucket Police Department’s Major Crime Unit began working to identify those responsible.
Investigators developed leads and gathered evidence that ultimately resulted in arrest warrants and search warrants for two Pawtucket residents.
Two Men Taken Into Custody
The suspects identified by police are:
Kavon Almeida, 21, of Pawtucket
Jaevon Gomes, 21, of Pawtucket
Both men were taken into custody Wednesday morning as officers from the Special Response Team, Narcotics Unit and Major Crime Unit carried out search warrants at two locations in the city.
Police said detectives identified Almeida and Gomes as being responsible for the September 24 shooting after developing investigative leads and gathering evidence during the investigation.
Charges Filed
According to police, Almeida and Gomes each face the following charges:
Assault with Intent to Commit a Specified Felony — Attempted Murder
Discharging a Firearm While Committing a Crime of Violence
Firing a Firearm in a Compact Area
Two Counts of Felony Conspiracy
Conspiracy to Commit a Misdemeanor
Disorderly Conduct
The charges stem from the investigation into the shooting that left the victim wounded in the chest.
Investigation Remains Active
Pawtucket Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional arrests may follow as detectives continue reviewing evidence and pursuing investigative leads.
The arrests mark a significant development in the case, but the investigation is not considered closed.
A Look Behind the Scenes of Local Journalism
The police operation also illustrates the unpredictable nature of working as a boots-on-the-ground journalist.
Sometimes a journalist arrives at a scene based on a tip, police activity or something observed while covering another story without knowing whether the situation will develop into a reportable event.
There are times when hours can be spent observing, recording and asking questions, only for the situation to produce little or nothing newsworthy. Other times, being present at the right moment can lead to witnessing an important development firsthand.
That approach—being physically present, documenting events as they unfold and following leads rather than simply waiting for information to arrive in a press release—is what many independent journalists describe as old-school, boots-on-the-ground reporting.
Official police statements remain an important part of responsible journalism because they provide verified information and help establish the facts surrounding an investigation. At the same time, firsthand observation can provide additional context about what is happening in a community.
For independent outlets such as ThatGuy401, that combination of official information and on-the-ground reporting is central to the work.
Sometimes the story comes directly to you. Other times, you have to be out there looking for it.
And occasionally, you simply happen to be in the right place at the right time.
Presumption of Innocence
Almeida and Gomes have been charged but have not been convicted of the allegations against them. They are presumed innocent unless and until their guilt is established in court.
The investigation remains active, with police indicating that further arrests are possible.
