Cranston Police arrested two men Friday night following a call earlier in the day that three armed men were allegedly breaking into an apartment at 32 Fernbrook Court. Colonel Michael Winquist, Chief of the Cranston Police Department, provided an update Sunday on the investigation.

According to Cranston Police, the department received an emergency call at approximately 2:14 p.m., from an individual stating that he observed three armed men breaking into an apartment (later determined to be unoccupied) at 32 Fernbrook Court. The caller described the suspects as three black males wearing dark clothing, including hoods and masks. A few minutes later, the same individuals exited the apartment and ran toward the bike path from the building. The reporting party said one suspect was pointing a handgun and the two suspects also appeared to be armed. The witness observed the suspects leave the area toward Cranston Street in a four-door white sedan with Massachusetts plates.

A description of the suspects and vehicle was broadcasted and approximately four minutes later, an officer working a road construction detail observed a vehicle matching the description pass his location on Cranston Street before turning down Briggs Street. The car contained black males wearing dark clothing and hoods. The officer noted the Massachusetts plate and shared it with all officers.

A second officer observed the vehicle when turning onto Florida Avenue. As he approached, the car's doors suddenly opened, and the suspects, wearing all dark clothing and masks, ran down Aplin Street behind a residence and jumped over a chain link fence before traveling down a steep embankment. The officer lost sight of the suspects as they entered thick brush along the Pocasset River.

Numerous officers set up a perimeter around the location where the suspects were last seen. Three Cranston Police Department Canine Teams were deployed as well as a drone to provide aerial surveillance. The Rhode Island State Police also responded to aid in the search. Officers trudged through thick brush, mud and water but were initially unsuccessful in locating the suspects due to the terrain. At approximately 4:54 p.m, the Cranston Fire Department provided an inflatable raft to transport officers and a canine team down the river.

As they were traveling south along the river, they saw an individual dressed in dark clothing on the west bank near Aplin Street lying down, covered in leaves attempting to conceal his location. Officers on the shoreline moved in and placed the individual in custody. A black mask was also found next to the area where the individual was apprehended. The suspect was identified as Miguel A. Veras, Martes, 19, of 54 Pocasset Ave., Apt. 2, Providence.

Officers continued to patrol the area throughout the night to apprehend the outstanding suspects. At approximately 8:20 p.m., a call was received that a subject was seated on the curb next to a vehicle on Florida Avenue. The same individual approached a parked car and asked the occupants to use their cell phones. Officers were dispatched to investigate and noted that the individual was dressed in dark clothing, covered in mud, and missing a shoe. The individual, identified as Daevon Silva, 20, of 183 Mineral Spring Ave., Pawtucket, matched the description of one of the suspects who fled from the Officer on Florida Avenue. Silva was immediately placed into custody without incident.

Both suspects were held overnight at the Cranston Police Department. While the intensive physical search of the area has concluded, the investigation to identify additional suspects is active and ongoing. Detectives continue to analyze evidence, collect surveillance videos, and interview other witnesses. Additional charges are expected.

An inquiry on the suspect vehicle's identification number revealed the owner had reported it stolen to the Pawtucket Police Department on October 11, 2022.

Veras Martes and Silva were arraigned by a bail commissioner on the following charges: Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Conspiracy, Obstruction of an Officer in Execution of Duty and Resisting Arrest.

Silva was presented as a bail violator as he is on bail on three separate cases, including firearm and drug charges and a disorderly conduct charge brought by the Rhode Island State Police for allegedly fighting on the Block Island Ferry over the summer. He was ordered held without bail. Bail for Veras was set at $25,000 with surety. Silva is being held at the Adult Correctional Institution (ACI).

Veras Martes was remanded to the ACI on Saturday but was released this afternoon after posting bail. Both suspects appeared in Third District Court on Monday for formal arraignment.

"The City of Cranston remains a safe city thanks to the outstanding efforts of the men and women of the Cranston Police Department. Their commitment to serving the public and pride in their profession were fully displayed during this incident. Without hesitation, they bravely pursued armed and dangerous suspects through thick brush, water, and mud for several hours into the night,” said Winquist. “Our dispatchers also performed at the highest levels fielding a high volume of calls during a stressful event while providing accurate and timely information to Officers in the field. We will continue to use all means necessary to prevent and solve crime in our city. I also want to thank the many citizens who have shared information. If you have video footage or information related to this crime, contact our department at 942-2211 or submit an anonymous tip by texting the keyword CRANSTONPD with your tip to 847411."

On Monday, Mayor Ken Hopkins came out with a press release saluting the Police Department for its efforts in arresting two of the criminals.

“Under Colonel Michael Winquist’s on-scene command and leadership, our police officers chased and captured two of the three young, but hardened, criminals who boldly entered our city to do harm to residents and property,” said Hopkins. “I witnessed firsthand the skill and training of our professional police officers as they brought the full weight of our law enforcement arsenal to arrest these thugs.”

“As Mayor, I commend the men and women of our department and pledge my continued and complete support for their dedicated protection of our city and families.” Hopkins stated, “For those who, from time to time, speak in terms of defunding law enforcement or misdirecting resources from police needs, I urge them to study the success of Cranston police efforts in our backyards last Friday.”

Hopkins was confident that the third suspect would eventually be arrested.

“I urge Attorney General Neronha to prosecute these hoodlums to the fullest extent of the law. In the meantime, our police efforts will focus on combating all such criminal activity in our borders,” Hopkins said.

The mayor also thanked the Rhode Island State Police for their assistance and presence in helping to pursue and capture the suspects last Friday evening.

“We will keep dedicating all our efforts to protect Cranston residents and families from gangs and other vandals who try and alter our safety, property and enjoyment of our quality of life,” Hopkins said.