Providence reports spike in gun violence

Crime scene tape marks the block on Lenox Ave. in the Elmwood neighborhood where Providence police investigate the apparent killing of a man outside his home December 11, 2020. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Providence has reported a higher number of shootings and homicides in 2020.

The Providence Journal reports that the Providence Police Department reported that there were 18 homicides and that 73 people were injured or killed by gunfire as of Dec. 29.

According to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, there were 13 homicides and 25 people were injured or killed by gunfire in 2019.

The city started the year off with a peaceful six-month stretch from October 2019 to March without any reported homicides.