The resulting arrests executed a year later this week May 23 throughout the state, including at Parmalee, Poirier & Assoc., 469 Centerville Rd. #203, in Warwick, represent what may be the largest single takedown in RI State Police history.
“When I learned they were trying to establish a foothold here in Rhode Island, I ordered my detectives to use whatever means necessary to investigate and eradicate these gangs,” Assumpico said.
Following months of investigation, State Troopers led a coordinated series of pre-dawn raids throughout the state, arresting 49 people, seizing 53 illegal guns and a large quantity of marijuana, crack, cocaine and heroin.
Assumpico said the raids involved the use of explosive devices to breach heavily fortified buildings; an armored truck and battering ram to break down doors; and dozens of heavily armed SWAT team members and other officers.
“Today’s arrests send a clear and convincing message: we will not allow motorcycle gangs and other criminals to sell guns and drugs on our streets and commit violent crimes in our communities,” Colonel Assumpico said.
“I commend the excellent work by the network of law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation, especially the prosecutors from my office and the Rhode Island State Police,” said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin. “As with all good investigations, it took patience and tenacity to unravel what is a vast and complex network of drug and gun traffickers in Rhode Island and bordering Massachusetts and Connecticut.”
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Philbin, who spearheaded the investigation, said Rhode Island State Police had received information more than a year ago about local chapters of outlaw motorcycle gangs operating in northwestern Rhode Island, particularly Woonsocket, North Smithfield and Burrillville.
These local chapters are affiliated with some of the country’s most notorious biker gangs – most of which have a history of violent criminal activity including murder, kidnapping, robbery, extortion and large-scale drug trafficking, Lt. Colonel Philbin said.
“These gangs have been involved in numerous acts of violence, including shooting incidents that put innocent civilians at risk,” Lt. Colonel Philbin said. “There is absolutely no question that they represent a clear and present danger to the people of Rhode Island.”
Members of the State Police Special Investigations Unit began tracking their activities and learned that several rival gangs were competing for turf here in Rhode Island, resulting in increasingly violent confrontations – including three shootings that were never reported to law enforcement.
At one point, based on intelligence gathered during the investigation, detectives intercepted and arrested one of the alleged gang members who was allegedly en route to commit murder, Lt. Colonel Philbin said. The suspect was arrested during a motor vehicle stop near the alleged victim’s house, and detectives seized a loaded 9mm Ruger pistol. That suspect was immediately arrested and remains held at the Adult Correctional Institutions, pending trial.
The investigation also revealed extensive evidence of other criminal activity, including large scale gun and drug trafficking; widespread theft and sale of stolen ATVs, lawn tractors, snow blowers and other equipment; fraudulent mortgage and bank activity; and a host of other criminal acts, Lt. Colonel Philbin said.
Search warrants were executed at the following locations:
- 210 Central Street, Burrillville
- KMC Garage, 481 Second Avenue, Woonsocket
- Pagans MC CH, 91 Mason Street, Woonsocket
- 1 Lake Drive, Burrillville
- 131 Mason Street, Woonsocket (AMCO)
- 31 Sorrell Road, North Providence
- 156 Village Road Apt. 10, Woonsocket
- 527 Fairmount Street #2, Woonsocket
- 201 Arnold Street, Woonsocket
- 111 Pulaski Boulevard, Bellingham, MA
- 7 Old Mendon Road, Blackstone, MA
- 30 Old Worcester Road, Charlton, MA
- 484 Prospect Street, Woonsocket
- 56 Heroux Avenue, Woonsocket
- 119 East Harkness Road, N. Smithfield
- 362 2nd Avenue, Woonsocket
- 541 Pond Street, Woonsocket
- 56 Marshall Road, Woonsocket
- 308/310/314 Willow Street, Woonsocket
- 88 Fifth Avenue, Woonsocket
- 46 Reservoir Road, Burrillville
- 213 High Street, Woonsocket
- 192 Beacon Avenue, Woonsocket
- 196 West Street, Milford, MA
- 259 Sixth Avenue, Woonsocket
- 710 Providence Street, Woonsocket
- 50 Everson Drive, Chepachet, RI
- 556 Harris Avenue, Woonsocket
- Parmalee, Poirier & Assoc. 469 Centerville Rd. #203, Warwick
State Police made the following arrests (marked in blue) and issued the following warrants (marked in white) Motorcycle Gang Arrests
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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