A dispute over an alleged “peeping Tom” incident led to a fatal shooting in Rhode Island, claiming two lives and injuring a teenager.
The presumed perpetrator, 52-year-old James Harrison, lost his life during a police pursuit and subsequent standoff.
The authorities have yet to officially disclose the identities of the deceased. Still, unofficial sources suggest they were Harrison’s mother, who lived with him, and a neighboring adult. A 15-year-old girl, who had affiliations with those involved, was hurt but is expected to make a full recovery.
Local news outlets reported that Harrison was caught peeping on a neighbor prior to the incident. Law enforcement were summoned to his house after midnight on Tuesday but got no response from Harrison. A neighboring resident reported a loud bang at about 7:30 am on Wednesday, having seen Harrison leave his house just before the arrival of emergency personnel.
Johnston Police Chief Mark Vieira verified that law enforcement received two emergency calls related to gunshot noises. As a result, Harrison became the subject of a lookout notice. An off-duty police officer located Harrison’s vehicle in a cemetery, triggering a police chase.
Cranston Police Chief Michael Winquist said that Harrison drove recklessly towards the responding officers, nearly causing a crash. He continued his dangerous driving on Plainfield Pike, which resulted in a collision with a police vehicle and a rock. When Harrison exited his vehicle, he pointed a firearm at the officers, forcing them to respond with fatal gunfire. Fortunately, no officers were injured in the confrontation.
