Man Shot at Basketball Courts, Police Searching for Shooter

An African-American man, believed to be in his early 20s, was shot around mid-day Sunday, Sept. 29, while sitting in his car at the intersection of John Street and McCausland Avenue in East Providence near Onna Moniz-John Park. His injuries were considered to be life-threatening. 

At least one gunshot was fired, according to East Providence Police Det. Capt. John Sequeira. The shooting apparently followed an altercation on the basketball courts at the Central Avenue neighborhood park. 

The man was treated at the scene by East Providence EMTs before being transported to Rhode Island Hospital.

The detective said a neighbor first called in the altercation at the park and then called back while officers were on the way and said there might have been a gun fired. 

Police officers found the victim trying to leave the park. He was stopped, received treatment and then was taken to the hospital.

Friends of the victim told NBC 10 that the man is out of surgery and in critical but stable condition. No arrests have been made but police are continuing to search the park and surrounding area for evidence.

The victim is not believed to live in East Providence. The shooter may live in East Providence, police reported. 

Police said that witnesses told them at least four men were playing basketball at the park when a fight broke out. After the gunshot, the suspects were spotted running rom the park heading toward Waterman Avenue.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the East Providence Police Department at 435-7600.