Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced that Trenton Keith (age 21), with a last known address of 81 Lawn Street, Providence, pleaded guilty Tuesday before Superior Court Justice Robert D. Krause to multiple firearm and assault charges.
Keith pleaded guilty to one count of felony assault, one count of carrying a firearm without a license, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, one count of using a firearm while committing a crime of violence, possession of a firearm while being previously convicted of a crime of violence, and resisting arrest. Keith, who has been held without bail since his arrest, is scheduled to be sentenced on February 24, 2016.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove that on the evening of June 7, 2015, Providence Police Violent Crimes Task Force members Officers Sean Lafferty and Matthew McGloin observed a black sedan with its high beam headlights activated tailgating their unmarked police car as they drove down Hamilton Street. The police executed a turn in a rotary and pulled up behind the black sedan. The black sedan then accelerated down Lexington Avenue. The police officers activated the emergency lights and siren directing the vehicle to pull to the side of the road. As the sedan stopped, a black male, later identified as Trenton Keith, exited from the back seat, and stumbled to the ground. As he turned his body towards the police vehicle, Keith pointed a firearm in the direction of the police officers.
Seeing the weapon, Officer McGloin drove the police vehicle at Keith, striking him. Keith stood up and ran with the two police officers in pursuit. Officers observed Keith toss something into a nearby trash can as he ran away from police. Keith initially eluded police but was apprehended a short time later on Adelaide Avenue.
During a canvas of the area, police officers located a .9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number and three live rounds in the trash can. DNA tests revealed it was Keith's DNA on the firearm.
Special Assistant Attorneys General Peter Roklan and Joseph McBurney prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General.