2 arrested in connection with North Providence shooting of father, son

photo by Anita Baffoni, WPRO News
photo by Anita Baffoni, WPRO News

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Police have arrested two people in connection with a shooting outside a North Providence convenience store that left a 46-year-old man dead and his adult son severely injured.

Police confirm the suspects were arrested in Providence, but have not yet released any names. A news conference is scheduled for later in the day.

The victims were shot near Sam’s Food Store at about 10:30 p.m. Sunday.

Police say 46-year-old Hernan Avila Jr. died and 23-year-old Hernan Avila III was taken to the hospital with critical injuries.

Georgette Avila says her son got into an argument with a group of men who approached him asking where to buy marijuana and her husband jumped in front of their son to shield him from the bullets.

Police have not disclosed a motive.