EAST PROVIDENCE — East Providence Police announced the arrest of the suspect in the December 26 shooting near the Hull Street Playground.

Jose Hernandez, a 20-year-old Pawtucket resident, was taken into custody in there early Wednesday morning, Jan. 3, by the Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force.

Hernandez was wanted for the shooting and robbery of an East Providence man the day after Christmas at the center-city park.

Shortly after the incident, EPPD Detectives Stephen DeMedeiros and Patrick Kelley were able to identify Hernandez as the person responsible for the shooting. The victim has since been released from the hospital. The investigation is ongoing.

Hernandez was arraigned on the following charges:

• Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony
• Robbery – 1st Degree
• Using a Firearm when Committing a Crime of Violence
• License or Permit Required for Carrying Pistol
• Firing in a Compact Area
• Conspiracy

Hernandez was also presented as a Superior Court probation violator on two previous first-degree robbery charges.

EPPD Chief Christopher Francesconi said of the incident, “Senseless violence such as this, especially in one of our community parks, will not be tolerated.  I would like to commend the members of our Detective Division for their excellent investigatory work which led to the quick identification of the suspect.  I would also like to thank the U.S. Marshals and members of Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force for their rapid arrest of Hernandez.”