Police: Dispute Between Roommates Led to Gunfire

Cranston Police said they are investigating why the 34-year-old shooting victim last night on Ryder Avenue fled the scene and tried to avoid talking with police after he was shot.

Cranston Police Major Robert W. Ryan said police were called to 37 Ryder Avenue last night around 7:55 p.m. on a report of a man with a gunshot wound to the right hand. Officers arrived "only to find that both the victim and suspects had fled prior to police arrival."

The victim, whom family members identified as Enrique Bonilla of Alexander Street in Providence, was located in Providence after a search. He was treated and released from the hospital.

Police said the gunfire was the result of an argument between two second floor tenants earlier in the evening. Bonilla was reportedly helping his nephew move his belongings "when they were confronted by the nephew's roommate and a group of his friends in the driveway," Ryan said.

A fight ensued, a gun was drawn and at least one shot was fired, Ryan said. The victim was struck once in the right hand before fleeing.

"At this time, investigators have no reason to believe this was a random act," Ryan said.

"Cranston Police Detectives continue to process evidence and the investigation into the incident continues this morning. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available and is appropriate to release," Ryan said.