Pawtucket Shooting: Two Charged After Nine Shots Fired Into Apartment, Bullet Strikes Child’s Bedroom
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Two people have been charged following a late-night shooting in Pawtucket after police say nine rounds were fired into an apartment and the surrounding area, with one bullet entering a child’s bedroom and striking the headboard.
The incident occurred on August 25, 2026, at approximately 11:30 p.m., when Pawtucket police officers were dispatched to 560 Prospect St. after receiving a report of several shots fired.
Nine shots fired at residential property
When officers arrived, they learned that multiple rounds had been fired toward an apartment and the surrounding area.
One of the bullets entered a child’s bedroom and struck the headboard.
The discovery underscored the potential danger created by the gunfire, particularly because the shooting occurred at a residential property late at night when families would typically be inside their homes.
Police have not reported that the child was struck or injured.
Patrol officers immediately secured the scene and began taking initial steps to preserve evidence and determine what had occurred. Major Crime Detectives were subsequently notified and responded to begin the investigation.
Investigators use surveillance and LPR technology
Detectives spent the following several hours gathering evidence and developing leads.
According to police, investigators used FLOCK License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology to help identify a vehicle believed to be connected to the shooting.
FLOCK LPR information, when combined with surveillance video, placed the vehicle at the location around the time of the shooting.
The technology provided investigators with a potential connection between the vehicle and the crime scene, allowing detectives to focus their investigation on the vehicle’s occupants.
Vehicle located and occupants detained
Later that morning, officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.
The occupants were detained, while the vehicle was seized as part of the continuing investigation.
Detectives then continued examining evidence to determine the roles allegedly played by the people inside the vehicle.
Police said the investigation ultimately established the involvement of Jose Lugo Jr., born June 6, 2006, and Skyla Vaillant, born April 29, 2005.
Two suspects charged
Both Lugo and Vaillant have been charged with three offenses:
Felony Assault
Firing in a Compact Area
Conspiracy
The charges stem from the investigation into the shots fired at the Prospect Street apartment and surrounding area.
Police have not publicly released a detailed explanation of the alleged motive or what led to the shooting.
Child’s bedroom hit by gunfire
One of the most concerning elements of the incident was the bullet that entered a child’s bedroom and struck the headboard.
While authorities have not reported that anyone was physically injured by that particular round, the incident demonstrates the risks associated with firing weapons toward occupied residential buildings.
Investigators will continue examining the location of the bullet impacts and other physical evidence as they work to reconstruct the shooting.
Additional charges possible
Pawtucket police emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
Detectives are continuing to review evidence and determine whether other people may have been involved or whether additional criminal charges are appropriate.
Police specifically stated that the investigation may lead to additional charges.
The motive for the shooting and the precise circumstances surrounding the incident have not been publicly disclosed.
Police credit investigative team
The Pawtucket Police Department praised the work of the officers and detectives who responded to the incident and helped advance the investigation.
Patrol officers initially secured the crime scene, while Major Crime Detectives conducted the follow-up investigation.
Police highlighted the use of FLOCK LPR technology alongside traditional investigative techniques and surveillance footage as an important factor in identifying the vehicle of interest and locating the suspects within hours.
Investigation continues
The case remains active as investigators continue processing evidence and examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not indicated whether additional suspects are being sought or whether the two people already charged knew the occupants of the apartment.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Pawtucket Police Department.
Jose Lugo Jr. and Skyla Vaillant have been charged in connection with the shooting. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
This remains an active investigation, and additional charges or information may be announced as detectives continue their work.
