Suspect in Cranston home invasion arrested in Massachusetts

Col. Michael Winquist, Chief of the Cranston Police Department, announces the arrest of one suspect involved in the recent and violent home invasion at 173 Gladstone Street.

On September 13, 2017 Cranston Police were involved in a high-speed police pursuit with a stolen gray Honda Civic occupied by three males. The Honda and its occupants were of interest regarding a violent armed home invasion on September 11 at 173 Gladstone Street and an armed robbery on September 9 of the Pontiac Food Mart located at 527 Pontiac Avenue in the City of Cranston. Cranston officers pursued the vehicle into the City of Providence where it crashed into a building and the occupants fled on foot and were able to temporarily evade police.

On September 14, 2017 Cranston Police identified a Michael Gonzalez, age 35, of 409 Danforth Street Apt. #1, Taunton, Massachusetts as the suspect in the violent armed home invasion on September 11th at 173 Gladstone Street. During that crime Gonzalez is alleged to have used a knife during the commission of the crime threatening to kill the victim. An arrest warrant for Gonzalez was authorized for the following felonies:

• B & E of Dwelling when Resident Home, R.I.G.L. 11-8-2.2

• Kidnapping of a minor, R.I.G.L. 11-26-1.4

• Felony Assault w/Dangerous Weapon, R.I.G.L. 11-5-2

Disclaimer: All individual(s) contained in this press release are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

On Sept. 15, 2017 Gonzalez was apprehended at 240 High St., Taunton, Massachusetts in possession of another stolen vehicle by the R.I. Violent Fugitive Task Force, U.S. Marshals, Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Unit and Taunton Police Detectives. He is being held at the Bristol County Corrections Facility awaiting extradition to Rhode Island.

Col. Winquist stated, “The apprehension of a suspect began as a result of excellent patrol observation skills by a Cranston Police Officer who recognized the suspect vehicle used in a recent violent crime in Cranston and subsequent motor vehicle pursuit. It continued with a coordinated effort among Cranston Police detectives and fugitive task forces in Rhode Island and Massachusetts who safely apprehended the subject in Taunton. Crimes such as a home invasion are particularly traumatic and personal. We will continue to follow all leads to apprehend all individuals who were involved.”

Anyone with any information regarding these crimes or additional suspects is asked to contact the Cranston Police Detective Division at (401) 942- 2211 or at www/tipsubmit.com/webtipsstart.aspx.