Providence Police Arrest Cranston Man in Fatal Shooting Investigation

Providence, RI –– Providence Police have arrested and charged 18-year-old Charles Ortiz of Cranston in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred during the early morning hours of May 11, 2026.

On Monday, May 11, 2026, at approximately 2:15 a.m., Providence Police officers responded to the area of Swift Street and Silver Spring Street for a report of a man down. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim, later identified as 20-year-old Joseph Ramos of Woonsocket, suffering from at least one gunshot wound on Swift Street near Silver Spring Street.

Ramos was transported by Providence Rescue to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.

Providence Police Detectives responded to the scene and initiated an investigation into the shooting. As a result of the investigation, Ortiz was charged with the following offenses:

• Murder

• Conspiracy to Commit Murder

• Drive-By Shooting

• Conspiracy to Commit a Drive-By Shooting

• Discharging a Firearm While Committing a Crime of Violence

• Reckless Driving

Ortiz will be arraigned in District Court tomorrow morning. This investigation remains active and ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Dyer at 401-659-5159 or Detective Hersperger at 401-659-5964.