Cranston man accused of attacking woman, child with hammer

CRANSTON, R.I. — A pregnant mother and her 6-year-old son are recovering after police say they were brutally attacked with a hammer outside their apartment on Dyer Avenue shortly before 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

Officers rushed to the Riverbend Apartments and found the woman, identified as Allison, and her son, Zach, suffering from severe head and facial injuries. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with neighbors rushing to help as the victims bled heavily.

Police quickly arrested 28-year-old Rashad Talley in a nearby building. Investigators said he was carrying a knife at the time and later admitted, “Of course,” when asked if he carried out the attack. A search of his apartment uncovered several knives and three hammers.

Allison was treated for a fractured nose and released from the hospital late Sunday. Her unborn child was unharmed. Zach remains in the pediatric ICU after surgery to repair a fractured skull. Doctors are monitoring a brain bruise, and his family says he faces a long recovery.

Friends have launched a GoFundMe to cover medical expenses and help Allison move out of the complex.

Talley, who has a history of violent charges and mental health struggles, is being held on felony assault charges.

This violent attack comes during a summer where Cranston has been in the headlines for a series of disturbing crimes, leaving many residents shaken about safety in their own community.

This incident is just the latest in a string of violent crime in Cranston:

• A 16-year-old boy was shot and killed on Dyer Avenue earlier this month.

• A shooting in Garden City last month shook shoppers in the busy retail hub.

• Police chase and gunfire last week 

Man accused of attacking woman child with hammer