Two Killed in Swansea Crash Involving Cranston Homicide Suspect

SWANSEA (WBSM) — A fatal motor vehicle crash early this morning in Swansea claimed the life of two people after they were struck by a vehicle driven by the suspect in a homicide that occurred in Cranston, Rhode Island Thursday night.

How the Swansea Crash Unfolded

According to Swansea Police Chief Mark Foley and Fire Chief Eric Hajder, the crash took place at approximately 12:18 a.m. Two Swansea Police officers in marked cruisers saw a white 2013 Infiniti G37 drive by them at a high rate of speed, heading westbound on Grand Army of the Republic Highway (Route 6). The vehicle then crashed into the side of a 2022 Subaru Ascent that was traveling south on James Reynolds Road (Route 136).

The officials said both vehicles suffered “catastrophic damage,” and first responders attempted rescue efforts.

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The Subaru was fully engulfed in flames, and first responders and bystanders attempted to extinguish the fire. However, the man and the woman that had been in the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.

The 28-year-old driver of the Infiniti was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries.

Connection to Cranston Homicide Investigation

WPRI reported that the driver was the suspect in the fatal shooting of a man in Cranston at about 9 p.m. on Thursday, February 26. The victim was reportedly shot several times after opening the front door of a home on Legion Way.

The suspect’s vehicle was then spotted in Massachusetts shortly after midnight and Massachusetts State Police briefly gave chase.

Swansea Police Clarify Pursuit Status

The Swansea officials said that while they are aware that the Infiniti had been the subject of a police pursuit and the driver was wanted in connection to a homicide investigation in Rhode Island, Swansea Police were not pursuing the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Multi-Agency Investigation Underway

The crash remains under investigation by Swansea Police, Massachusetts State Police, and state police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.