Woonsocket Woman Dies In East Providence Crash, Pawtucket Man Arrested

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — A Woonsocket woman died in a crash early Sunday morning in East Providence, according to police. The crash also resulted in the driver, a 20-year-old Pawtucket man, being arrested.

Police said they were called to Veterans Memorial Parkway near Crowne Avenue just after 1 a.m. for a report of a crash. Officers arrived and found a white Kia sedan with heavy front-end damage.

Police identified the driver as Chaz Gagnon, who sustained serious injuries to his lower body. His front seat passenger, Ariana Roody, 20, was unconscious with serious injuries, police said.

Both Gagnon and Roody were rushed to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, where Roody later died, police said.

Several minutes before the crash, officers were investigating a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of Bullocks Point Village apartment complex. During the investigation, Gagnon provided officers with a false name and sped away from the parking lot, driving over an island divider and the curb, according to police. A description of the vehicle was broadcast to other units.

Police said the officers did not pursue the vehicle due to heavy fog and the unknown nature of the offenses, or if warrants existed.

Gagnon remains in custody at Rhode Island Hospital. He was charged with driving to endanger with death resulting, reckless driving/eluding police, obstructing an officer in the execution of duty and three counts of fugitive from justice.

Gagnon was ordered held with bail. Police said more charges are possible, as the investigation continues.

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