Three Arrested in Connection to Fentanyl Overdoses at Providence College Party
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Three individuals have been arrested after seven Providence College students overdosed at an off-campus party last week, authorities confirmed. The incident, which unfolded on Liege Street in Providence, prompted a swift response from local police and emergency personnel who administered lifesaving treatment.
Providence Police officers arrived at the scene after reports of multiple overdoses. They found four students unconscious in the front yard of the residence, while a total of seven attendees were treated with Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. All seven were transported to a local hospital and were reported to be conscious and alert following treatment.
Subsequent investigations led officers to a home on Hawkins Street, where they seized approximately 20 grams of fentanyl, $1,700 in cash, two rifles, and three handguns, including a “ghost gun,” an untraceable firearm assembled from parts. The seizure underscores ongoing concerns about the influx of illegal narcotics and firearms into communities.
Angel Williams, 33, Patrick Patterson, 32, and Kimsheree Simoneau, 33, were arrested and charged in connection with supplying the drugs involved in the overdoses. Williams and Patterson face multiple drug and firearm charges, while Simoneau was charged with possession of a ghost gun. Williams and Patterson remain held without bail, while Simoneau was released on a $10,000 bond. None of the suspects are students at Providence College.
Providence Police Colonel Oscar Perez emphasized the department’s commitment to tackling the deadly flow of fentanyl and illegal weapons. “The coordinated efforts of our Narcotics and Organized Crime Bureau ensured that dangerous weapons and narcotics were removed from the streets of Providence,” he said in a statement. The police department’s ongoing efforts align with broader initiatives by law enforcement agencies nationwide to combat the opioid crisis and gun violence.
Providence College has announced it will conduct its own investigation into the incident. A college spokesperson expressed gratitude toward the City of Providence first responders and campus public safety officials who provided immediate care to the students. The college’s response reflects a growing awareness among educational institutions of the need to address substance abuse and ensure student safety.
This case highlights the persistent dangers posed by fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has contributed to a surge in overdose deaths across the United States. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, making it particularly lethal when distributed illicitly.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Justice, have intensified efforts to dismantle fentanyl trafficking networks and reduce the availability of untraceable firearms. The Providence arrests are part of these broader national strategies aimed at stemming the tide of opioid-related harm.
Community leaders and public health officials continue to advocate for increased education, prevention, and treatment resources to address the opioid epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides extensive guidelines and data on opioid misuse and overdose prevention, underscoring the critical need for coordinated action.
As investigations proceed, the Providence Police Department and Providence College remain focused on ensuring accountability and preventing similar tragedies in the future. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by drug distribution and the importance of vigilant law enforcement and community engagement.
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