Smithfield Man Caught In Johnston With Stolen SUV, Illegal Gun: Attorney General

JOHNSTON, RI — A Smithfield man was charged in Providence County Superior Court after prosecutors said he was caught with a stolen SUV, an unlicensed gun and a large capacity magazine, Attorney General Peter Neronha said Friday.

On June 1, Michael Ranucci, 52, was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit, possession of a firearm after a conviction of a crime of violence, possession of a large capacity magazine, alteration of identifying marks on a firearm, and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Around 11 a.m. April 6, Johnston police conducted a well-being check on a 2019 Dodge Durango SRT, which was occupied by Ranucci, according to prosecutors. During the stop, police officers noticed a gun magazine inside the SUV, prosecutors said.

Officers further searched the vehicle and seized a semi-automatic handgun with an obliterated serial number, equipped with a 28-round large capacity magazine, prosecutors said. Prosecutors said police also learned the SUV was reported stolen out of Connecticut.

Under Rhode Island law, people convicted of violent crimes are prohibited from possessing guns. Ranucci was previously convicted of felony assault in 2012, prosecutors said.

Ranucci is scheduled for a pre-arraignment conference in Providence County Superior Court on Aug. 2.