College Party Overdoses Lead to Drug and Weapon Arrests
In a troubling incident that highlights the ongoing dangers of drug trafficking in college communities, three individuals were arrested following a party where seven Providence College students overdosed. The situation has raised serious concerns about student safety and the presence of lethal substances like fentanyl near campus environments.
Providence Police responded to an alarming scene on Liege Street in Providence, Rhode Island, where they discovered four unconscious students in the front yard of a residence during a party. In total, seven students suffered overdoses at the gathering. First responders administered Narcan to all victims before transporting them to a local hospital, where they fortunately regained consciousness and were reported to be alert. The swift response from emergency personnel potentially prevented what could have been a tragic outcome. Following the incident, authorities launched an investigation that led them to a residence on Hawkins Street, where they uncovered approximately 20 grams of fentanyl, $1,700 in cash, two rifles, and three handguns—including an untraceable “ghost gun” that lacks serial numbers and registration.
The police operation resulted in the arrests of three individuals: 33-year-old Angel Williams, 32-year-old Patrick Patterson, and 33-year-old Kimsheree Simoneau. None of the suspects were students at Providence College, suggesting an external drug distribution network targeting the college community. Williams and Patterson face multiple serious charges related to drug possession, distribution, and illegal firearms, while Simoneau was specifically charged with possession of an unregistered ghost gun. The court has ordered Williams and Patterson to be held without bail due to the severity of their alleged crimes, while Simoneau was released after posting a $10,000 bond. The case highlights the intersection of drug trafficking and illegal firearms that often accompanies such operations.
Providence Police Colonel Oscar Perez emphasized the significance of this investigation in a public statement, noting that it represents the department’s “continued commitment to combating the deadly flow of fentanyl and illegal firearms into our community.” He praised the coordinated efforts of the Narcotics and Organized Crime Bureau, which successfully removed dangerous weapons and narcotics from Providence streets. The seizure of fentanyl is particularly notable given the drug’s potency—even small amounts can cause fatal overdoses, and its presence at college parties poses an extreme risk to students who may unknowingly consume it or take it in combination with other substances, dramatically increasing the danger.
Providence College has acknowledged the incident and expressed gratitude to first responders whose quick actions likely saved student lives. A college spokesperson thanked “the City of Providence first responders on scene, as well as college public safety officials, who administered lifesaving care to our students.” The institution has also announced its intention to conduct its own investigation into the circumstances surrounding the party and overdoses. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of college students to drug-related dangers and the importance of awareness, education, and safety measures within campus communities.
The case reflects a troubling nationwide trend of fentanyl distribution and its impact on young adults, particularly in college settings where experimentation with substances can occur. The presence of multiple firearms alongside the drug supply further illustrates the dangerous criminal elements that often surround drug trafficking operations. As law enforcement continues to investigate this case, it stands as a stark warning about the potentially deadly consequences of drug use at college gatherings and the importance of continued vigilance against drug distribution networks targeting vulnerable student populations. The Providence College community now faces the challenge of supporting affected students while working to prevent similar incidents in the future through enhanced security measures and drug awareness programs.
