Loaded gun found outside Cranston East

A 15-year-old student found a loaded gun near Cranston High School East on Feb. 23.

According to police, the student was waiting for a ride from his mother after school when he spotted the .22 caliber pistol stuck between a pair of parking blocks. The student did not touch the weapon and told his mother upon her arrival, at which time police were called.

Police said a preliminary investigation found the gun had not been reported stolen. A forensic analysis was being conducted as part of efforts to determine its owner, or any incidents or persons to which it might be connected.

Suspect sought in Cranston Street robbery

Police are seeking the public’s help as they investigate a Feb. 21 robbery at the Laundry Basket at 947 Cranston St.

According to police, the suspect – described as a male dressed in a dark hoodie, blue jeans, and dark colored boots – entered the establishment at approximately 10 p.m. and approached the clerk at the register. The suspect is said to have demanded money and displayed a knife, threatening both the clerk and a patron who came to the clerk’s aid. The suspect then fled the store with an undisclosed amount of cash, heading north on Cranston ST.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect or the theft is asked to contact Detective Lee Sohn at 401-477-5147. Tips may also be submitted anonymously via the department’s website, cranstonpoliceri.com.

Conn. man admits to seeking sex with teen

A Connecticut man recently admitted in federal court that he traveled to Cranston last year with the intention of having sex with a 14-year-old girl, according to the office of U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha.

Joshua T. Robinson, 36, of Colchester, Conn., pleaded guilty Feb. 18 to a charge of interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

According to prosecutors, evidence presented to the court shows Robinson began exchanging emails with a person he thought to be a 14-year-old Rhode Island girl in August 2015.

“Over the next several days, with each additional email, Robinson’s comments to the teenager became increasingly sexually explicit,” reads a statement from Neronha’s office. “He requested and arranged to meet with the teenager to engage in sexual activity.”

Authorities said Robinson was in fact communicating with members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. He was arrested Sept. 4, 2015, when he traveled to Cranston for an arranged meeting.

Robinson’s sentencing is scheduled for May 12. He faces up to 30 years in prison and lifetime supervision.

Pedestrian struck on Phenix Avenue

A 40-year-old woman was hospitalized with serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Atwood and Phenix avenues on Feb. 26, according to police.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene just before 6 p.m. An initial investigation found the pedestrian was crossing Phenix Avenue from the Stop & Shop toward Burger King when the vehicle, which was traveling west, hit her. There is a marked crosswalk at the location in question.

Police said no citations were issued, nor charges filed, although the investigation was still being completed. 

The operator of the vehicle was uninjured.