Arrest made in deadly Swift Street shooting in Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. —  Providence police say an arrest has been made in connection with the deadly Swift Street shooting that killed 20-year-old Joseph Ramos early Monday morning.

According to investigators, officers responded to Swift Street around 2:17 a.m. and found Ramos suffering from a gunshot wound to the head while lying in the roadway. He was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Police identified the suspect as Charles Ortiz, 18, of Cranston. He is now facing multiple charges, including:

• Murder – 1st degree
• Conspiracy to commit murder
• Drive-by shooting
• Conspiracy to commit a drive-by shooting
• Discharge of a Firearm When Committing a Crime of Violence – Death
• Reckless Driving and Other Offenses Against Public Safety – 1st Offense

Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez said officers had already responded to the area earlier that morning before the shooting happened.

Investigators also say Ramos was riding a three-wheeled motor bike at the time of the shooting. Video circulating online appears to show a large gathering and physical altercation in the area before gunfire erupted. Police have not confirmed whether the gathering was directly connected to the shooting, though the same three-wheeled bike can reportedly be seen in the footage.

Ortiz is expected to be arraigned Wednesday morning as the investigation continues