Detectives from the East Providence Police Department continue to investigate a string of robberies which have occurred recently in the Riverside section of the city.

According to a report of Captain Michael J. Rapoza, EPPD Operations Division Commander/Public Information Officer, the burglaries have a connection in their proximity to the East Bay Bike Path, running south from the start of Bullocks Point Avenue to its intersection with Crescent View Avenue and just into "The Terrace" neighborhood. East to west, the area runs into "The Maze" across to Pawtucket Avenue/Main Street as well as Booth Avenue.

"It is definitely a very difficult case with very little physical evidence and poor surveillance footage," Rapoza said, adding the department's appreciation to residents who have provided security camera footage to help identify potential perpetrators.

EPPD urges anyone with information, including home surveillance footage, to contact the Detective Division at 401-435-7600 ext 20020.

Elderly couple update
An elderly couple, both of whom suffered with significant medical conditions and required in-home care, were each found deceased in their Waterman Avenue home last week.

Rapoza said the male was presumed to have passed away first followed shortly thereafter by the female. Detectives were awaiting a report from the medical examiner. Foul play was not considered.

Reached for an update this week, Rapoza said the ME's office had still not reported back to the EPPD. He added, if it were a suspicious death/circumstances, the department would have already been notified.

Christmas weekend crash
Police released the name of the elderly male who died following a car crash as a result of what is still believed to have been a medical incident on Saturday, Dec. 23, on Bullocks Point Avenue.

Randall Waycott, 78 and from East Providence, is the person who passed away after the vehicle he was driving crashed near the Riverside Branch Library.

Rapoza said Waycott, who considered to be in poor health, told his wife he was not feeling well just prior to the crash and went unconscious. It's doubtful the accident would have led to any type of fatal injury.

Hull Street shooting
EPPD detectives continue to investigate a shooting that occurred at the Hull Street playground Tuesday, Dec. 26.

Providence Police, shortly thereafter the same day, engaged a male suffering from a gunshot wound to his leg on Benefit Street there. Investigators in both jurisdictions consider the injured party to be the same individual involved in the East Providence incident.

Rapoza said evidence is still being gathered and further information is likely to be released soon.