BREAKING: Providence Police Make Arrest in Stabbing on Van Leesten Bridge

BREAKING: Providence Police Make Arrest in Stabbing on Van Leesten Bridge

 

GoLocal has learned from multiple law enforcement sources that the Providence Police have arrested one person who allegedly stabbed Gerald Blair, age 40, to death on Tuesday night.

 

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The stabbing took place on the Michael Van Leesten pedestrian bridge at about 10:30 PM.  A gang of juveniles was involved in an incident with Blair.

 

Chief Oscar Perez tells GoLocal, "This was an outstanding homicide investigation. Through diligent investigative work and the swift pursuit of evidence, Providence Police detectives identified and apprehended the suspect within two days, bringing the offender to justice and providing answers and justice to the victim’s family, while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to public safety."

 

Providence Fire responded and transported the victim to Rhode Island Hospital.

 

According to the police, there were multiple witnesses, and there are security cameras located at the bridge.

 

The bridge is named after Van Leesten, a civil rights leader, businessman, star athlete, and community leader.

 

A GoLocal editorial urged the pedestrian bridge to be named after Van Leesten just days after his death in 2019.

 

This story was updated at 12:12 PM