Providence Man Sentenced To 5 Years For PVDFest Shooting

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Providence man pleaded guilty this week to a shooting at PVDFest this past summer. Michael Robertson, 25, admitted to owning a pistol without a license, possessing a gun after a crime of violence and firing in a compact area.

"Firing a gun in the middle of a crowded event is more than just being foolish or reckless – people could have been killed," Attorney General Neronha said. "PVDFest is a community event that brings people out to celebrate together. The defendant’s conduct caused panic, fear and chaos and it could have been much, much worse."

The shooting happened in the area of Washington Street and Union Avenue late at night on June 8. According to Neronha's office, Robertson fired a nine-millimeter pistol into the air approximately six times, causing panic in the crowd of PVDFest attendees. Robertson was later identified using video surveillance from the area.

On Thursday, Robertson was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with five to serve at the Adult Correctional Institution, with the remaining five years suspended with probation.