CRANSTON — Law enforcement arrested two adults and a 16-year-old following an evening disturbance at Lang’s Bowlarama that began when a caller reported a person carrying a handgun inside the bowling alley, the Cranston Police Department said.
Officers responded at about 10:45 p.m. Saturday to the bowling center at 225 Niantic Avenue after a 911 caller provided a detailed description of a suspect, a white backpack and the person’s location within the building, according to the department.
When officers located the suspect, identified as 19-year-old Jayden Rodriguez of Cranston, he acknowledged there was a firearm in his backpack. A struggle followed as officers attempted to take Rodriguez into custody, and several people with Rodriguez interfered with police and pushed officers, the department said. The Rhode Island State Police and Providence Police Department were summoned to assist.
Recovered weapon reportedly stolen
Authorities recovered a loaded firearm that was later determined to have been reported stolen out of South Carolina, according to the Cranston Police Department. Rodriguez was transported to the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) Intake after being arraigned by a Justice of the Peace.
Also arrested during the disturbance was 19-year-old Ismael Monge of Woonsocket. Monge was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and obstructing an officer in the execution of duty. He was arraigned and released.
A 16-year-old male juvenile from Massachusetts was arrested in connection with the altercation and subsequently released to a parent. The juvenile was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and obstructing an officer in the execution of duty.
Charges filed
Rodriguez faces multiple charges related to the firearm and the incident. Those charges include:
- License or permit required for carrying a pistol
- Possession of a stolen firearm
- Large capacity feeding devices prohibited
- Modification of a semi-automatic weapon
- Disorderly conduct
- Resisting legal/illegal arrest
Monge and the juvenile each face charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and obstructing an officer, according to the department release.
| Arrestee | Age | Alleged Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Jayden Rodriguez | 19 | Carrying pistol without permit; possession of stolen firearm; large-capacity device prohibition; weapon modification; disorderly conduct; resisting arrest |
| Ismael Monge | 19 | Disorderly conduct; resisting arrest; obstructing officer |
| Unnamed juvenile | 16 | Disorderly conduct; resisting arrest; obstructing officer |
Community safety and police response
Police said they commended the caller who reported the firearm and provided precise information that helped officers locate the suspect. The department’s statement noted the coordinated response with state and Providence police during the confrontation.
No additional injuries to members of the public or officers were reported in the department’s account. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to process the scene and complete follow-up work.
The incident highlights persistent concerns about weapons in public places and the potential for tense interactions when officers attempt to make arrests. Cranston residents who witness suspicious behavior are reminded to call 911 and provide as much descriptive information as possible, the department said.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Cranston Police Department’s nonemergency line. The department did not release further details about the ownership history of the firearm beyond noting it had been reported stolen from South Carolina.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
