🌱Man Stops Possible Kidnapping + RI Homeless Used To Cash Fake Checks

Happy Tuesday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening today.

First, today's weather:

A couple of morning showers. High: 67 Low: 45.

Here are the top five stories today in Providence:

1. Although the headline of the story is about the man who was arrested for an alleged attempted kidnapping in Providence on Friday, it's more about the innocent bystander who risked his own life to save a child and stop a possible kidnapping from happening. Reportedly, Raymond Simonds, 52, jumped in front of the white van, driven by Hector Larios, who was later arrested and charged. He threw himself through the driver's side window of the van, grabbed the steering wheel and took the keys, so Larios couldn't get away, while the 13-year-old boy Larious had allegedly lured to the van with candy and vape pens, was pulled out of the van by his friends. Larios has been released on bail. (WPRI.com)
2. Are you looking for a new career or to change your job? Check out who is hiring in the Providence area. (Providence Patch)
3. It's that time of year in Rhode Island when they're a lot more orange signs up on roads throughout the state warning motorists about road work. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is reminding drivers to be vigilant while going through those work zones and to take extra care in regard to worker safety. “Our workers are in danger every day,” RIDOT Director Peter Alviti said. (WPRI.com)
4. Cortavious Benford, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, said U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha. He admitted to using Rhode Island homeless people to cash fake checks. Benford along with three other Georgia men, who previously pleaded guilty for the same scheme: Austin Weaver, Jalen Ronald Stanford, and Michael Williams, ran the scheme from October 2018 to February 2021. They recruited homeless people in the Providence area to cash hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of counterfeit business checks in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine and Connecticut, in exchange for cash payments. (Patch)
5. The Asian Lantern Festival will be fully illuminating Roger Williams Zoo this week, celebrating the year of the tiger. Tickets can only be purchased online. Featuring more than 50 spectacular lantern displays, a kids' interactive lantern area (weather-permitting), savory Asian-inspired cuisine and drinks, hand-crafted keepsakes and more, the event promises to have something for everyone. (Providence Daily Dose)

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Today in Providence:

• Rochambeau Walking Club - Community Libraries of Providence (9:00 AM)
• Family Story Time & Craft - Community Libraries of Providence (11:30 AM)
• STEM Activity - Community Libraries of Providence (3:00 PM)
• Kid's Theater: A PLAY IN A DAY - Community Libraries of Providence (4:00 PM)
• Anxiety Support Group - Community Libraries of Providence (5:30 PM)
• WALKING CLUB - Community Libraries of Providence (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Providence Performing Arts Center: "Time to brush up on The Temptations' music! Performances of Ain't Too Proud Musical begin Tuesday at 8PM! When will we be seeing you? (Facebook)
• Rhode Island State Police: "Happy #MoveOverMonday! This is your reminder to slow down and move over a lane if you see emergency lights." (Instagram)
• Rhode Island Athletics: "@rhodymtrack’s Kellen Waters 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 the outdoor mile record last Friday by nearly 10 seconds, finishing in 4:04.11 to break the 45-year-old record #GoRhody" (Instagram)
• Providence Art and Art History: "It’s Student Employment Appreciation Week and we are kicking off Monday with an admiration post for our incredible Head Student Assistant at the Visual Resource Center and Providence College Galleries Zari Apodaca!"(Instagram)
• Providence Children's Museum: "April Vacation worries? We've got you covered. Come play every day."(Facebook)

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— Karena Garrity

About me: I am a native of Connecticut, who currently resides in the Tri-Town community of Chester, Deep River and Essex. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my small town community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.