KENT COUNTY, RI — Two Providence men are facing multiple charges after allegedly attempting to force their way into a home while armed with weapons.
Coventry police responded to a reported disturbance on Mill Street in the early morning hours of May 5, 2026.
Police said two armed individuals approached a residence and attempted to assault some of the occupants, who were initially outside.
As the victims retreated inside, the suspects brandished what appeared to be a knife and a handgun, pointing the weapons at the residents, according to police.
The suspects forced the front door open as the residents fought back to re-secure the door and fend them off, police said.
After repeated attempts to get inside, the suspects fled the scene.
Through an investigation, detectives identified the suspects as Aaron Tanzi, 39, of Providence, and Evan Pono, 38, of Providence.
Coventry police obtained signed arrest warrants for both men on multiple charges.
The Providence Police Department took both Tanzi and Pono into custody on the afternoon of May 6, 2026, and turned them over to the Coventry Police Department.
They were processed and held overnight at Coventry police headquarters.
Tanzi and Pono were transported to Kent County Courthouse on May 7, 2026, where they appeared before a 3rd District Court judge.
Tanzi was arraigned on charges of burglary, possession of a firearm while in the commission of a crime of violence, felony assault and battery, assault with intent to commit specified felonies, and conspiracy.
He was ordered held without bail on the new charges and as a probation violator.
Pono was arraigned on charges of burglary, possession of a knife while in the commission of a crime of violence, felony assault and battery, assault with intent to commit specified felonies, and conspiracy.
He was also ordered held without bail on the new charges and as a probation violator.
