Four individuals are facing criminal charges in connection with a shooting on Interstate 95 in Providence, Rhode Island, that led to a three-car crash and temporarily shut down the southbound lanes in December 2025. The Rhode Island State Police announced the charges on February 25th and 26th, detailing a targeted incident involving approximately 19 rounds of gunfire.
Zachary Martins, 26, of Springfield, Massachusetts, Tory Torres, 20, of Providence, and Jamari Bell, 23, of Cranston, have been charged with drive-by shootings and multiple gun-related offenses, according to police statements. Martins faces eleven charges including drive-by shootings, using a firearm when committing a crime of violence resulting in injury, and obstruction of an officer. Torres shares the same eleven charges as Martins. Both were processed at State Police Headquarters and arraigned, with Torres being held at the ACI Intake Center pending further court proceedings.
The shooting occurred on December 29, 2025, near Smithfield Avenue. Investigators determined that occupants of one vehicle fired at another, striking it approximately ten times. The ensuing collision involved a third, uninvolved vehicle, causing multiple, non-life-threatening injuries. Some individuals involved fled the scene on foot, while others were transported to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
A fourth suspect, Joseph Carvalho, 27, of Woonsocket, has been charged with harboring a criminal.
During the investigation, authorities executed court-authorized search warrants that yielded a significant amount of ammunition, firearm magazines, digital evidence, fentanyl, cocaine, narcotics packaging equipment, and cash, according to police reports. The seizure of narcotics-related materials suggests a potential link to other criminal activities beyond the shooting itself.
The Rhode Island State Police have not released details regarding the motive for the shooting, but have confirmed it was a targeted incident. The southbound lanes of I-95 were closed for over two hours following the crash, causing significant traffic disruptions.
Martins was taken into custody in Massachusetts and is awaiting extradition to Rhode Island. The investigation remains ongoing.
