Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin today announced that Adrian Garcia (age 17), of Central Falls, pleaded nolo contendere today before Family Court Chief Judge Michael B. Forte to one count of carrying a firearm without a license for the September 28, 2017 shooting outside Garrahy Judicial Complex. Under the terms of the plea, Garcia received a certified sentence of five years with three years to serve and the remainder suspended with probation.
In accordance with a certified sentence, Garcia will begin his sentence at the Rhode Island Training School until a "modification hearing" takes place at which time a Family Court judge will determine if the sentence should be modified or continued to be served at the Adult Correctional Institution. The modification hearing must be held prior to the 19th birthday of the juvenile. Under certification, Garcia is convicted and the sentence will extend into adulthood.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to provide that on September 28, 2017, at approximately 10:45 a.m., Providence Police responded to the Garrahy Judicial Complex for a report of shots fired in the vicinity of Dorrance Street and Pine Street.
Based on a description of the shooter by witnesses in the area, Providence Police observed an individual fitting the description, later identified as Garcia, fleeing across Point Street. After a short pursuit on foot, Garcia was apprehended and taken into custody.
Providence Detective Greg Small led the investigation and Special Assistant Attorney General Albert J. Vitali prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General.