Cranston homicide suspect involved in fiery crash in Swansea

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — The suspect in a Cranston homicide was involved in a fiery crash in Swansea hours after the crime. According to Cranston police, a man was shot and killed around 9 p.m. Thursday. Police Maj. Todd Patalano told 12 News the victim was shot several times after opening the front door of a home on Legion Way. "We believe someone came to the house and banged on the door," Patalano said. The victim was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Then around midnight, Massachusetts law enforcement reportedly found the vehicle connected to the homicide. Massachusetts State Police confirmed that officers briefly pursued the car before ending the chase. A short time later, the suspect's vehicle, a white Infiniti, crashed with an SUV in Swansea by the intersection of Route 6 and Route 136 at about 12:30 a.m. Friday. The SUV became engulfed in flames. 12 News spoke with a witness at a nearby gas station who noted that people quickly jumped into action. "Right away, I mean, everyone from inside the store came running out and immediately got fire extinguishers," the witness said. "Everybody was afraid because of the flames. The [SUV] was totally engulfed. We were yelling not to go near there. Wait for the fire department." Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames. The vehicles were towed away from the scene around 5:30 a.m. The intersection was initially closed after the crash and travel was limited to one lane in both directions until 6:30 a.m. The suspect was brought to Rhode Island Hospital and taken into custody by Cranston police. 12 News is working to learn more about the suspect, the shooting victim and the conditions of those involved in the crash. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear at this time. Massachusetts State Police are investigating the crash. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app.