CRANSTON, RI — Police arrested a 24-year-old man following an investigation into threatening social media posts and an overnight standoff that ended peacefully after more than five hours of negotiations.
Devan Garcia, of Cranston, was taken into custody after barricading himself inside his residence on May 14.
Detectives began investigating after alarming comments were posted on the Cranston Police Department’s Facebook page regarding the annual memorial ceremony honoring fallen officers and the Spring Festival.
Investigators discovered additional social media posts depicting firearms, loaded magazines, and threatening statements directed toward law enforcement.
Garcia refused to stop for police and struck an unmarked police vehicle head-on before fleeing on foot and barricading himself inside his home, police said.
Cranston Police Crisis Negotiators, a department mental health clinician, the Special Reaction Team, and the East Providence Police Department assisted in the negotiations.
Garcia surrendered peacefully without injury to officers, family members, or the public.
Officers seized multiple firearms, ammunition, and large-capacity magazines during the investigation.
Garcia is expected to face several felony charges upon release from the hospital.
“This incident highlights the importance of taking threatening behavior and concerning social media activity seriously,” said Chief Colonel Michael J. Winquist.
“Thanks to the professionalism, patience, and coordination of everyone involved, this dangerous situation was resolved peacefully.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
