RIPTA employee accused of stabbing coworker over ex-girlfriend

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A RIPTA employee accused of stabbing a coworker outside the transit agency’s Providence facility Wednesday night following a personal dispute with a coworker, has been arrested.

Police responded around 7:16 p.m. to the RIPTA building on Melrose Street, where they found the victim with a puncture wound. The RIPTA employee accused has been identified as Wellington Tavarez, who reportedly fled the scene in his work uniform.

Investigators say the stabbing stemmed from a dispute over a past relationship with an ex-girlfriend. Tavarez was later arrested at his home. During booking, police also found an unidentified pill in his possession.

RIPTA leadership called the incident “shocking” and said the agency is cooperating with the investigation. The employee’s status is under review.

The case remains under investigation.