WPD Arrests Homeless Man in Shooting of Woman Through Glass Front Door

WARWICK, RI  — Warwick Police arrested a homeless man on Greene River Avenue Tuesday night, charging him with assault with a deadly weapon and firearms violations after responding to a call to 1161 West Shore Road at 6:30 p.m. for a woman who had been shot through the glass of her exterior front door from a vacant home across the street.

Police have charged Richard Wade, 37, with no formal address, with assault with a deadly weapon, believed to be a small-caliber handgun, possession of a firearm without a permit, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a firearm while intoxicated, firing in a compact area, and firing across a highway.

Police interviewed neighbors about the possible suspect, and located Wade a short time later walking outside on Greene River Avenue near the intersection of West Shore Road, said WPD Maj. Mark Ullucci, operations bureau commander. They also located and seized the firearm.

Ullucci said the woman had been shot twice, in the hand and shoulder, suffering non-life threatening injuries. She was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where she is still recovering, in good condition.

Ullucci said police are attempting to contact the owner of the home Wade shot at the woman from. He said the house had not been boarded up, but appeared to have been abandoned. The officer said police detectives are working to uncover further details in the shooting. Wade has not provided them any information about the incident.

“He did not want to speak to us,” Ullucci said.