Providence, Rhode Island — A late-night off-campus gathering near Providence College took a frightening turn when seven students overdosed and required emergency medical care.
Police say the incident, which occurred Friday night on Liege Street, resulted in multiple hospitalizations and led investigators to a home where fentanyl, cash, and firearms were seized. Three people have since been arrested in connection with supplying drugs to the students.
Officers Find Students Passed Out on Front Lawn
According to the Providence Police Department, officers responded to reports of unresponsive individuals outside an off-campus residence. When they arrived, they found four students passed out in the front yard, with three more exhibiting overdose symptoms inside the home.
First responders administered Narcan, a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. All seven students were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not yet released updates on the students’ conditions but said the swift response of police and medical personnel prevented a far worse outcome.
Search Warrant Leads to Weapons and Fentanyl Seizure
The morning after the overdoses, detectives executed a search warrant at a residence on Hawkins Street believed to be connected to the drug supply. Inside the home, officers discovered approximately 20 grams of fentanyl, $1,700 in cash, two assault-style rifles, and three handguns.
Police arrested Angel Williams, 33, Patrick Patterson, 32, and Kimsheree Simoneau, 33 in connection with the investigation. Williams and Patterson face multiple drug and firearms charges, while Simoneau was charged with possession or control of a ghost gun, a weapon lacking a serial number that is often difficult to trace.
Providence Police Col. Oscar Perez emphasized the department’s commitment to cracking down on fentanyl and illegal guns.
“This investigation reflects the department’s continued commitment to combating the deadly flow of fentanyl and illegal firearms into our community,” Perez said. “The coordinated efforts of our Narcotics and Organized Crime Bureau ensured that dangerous weapons and narcotics were removed from the streets of Providence.”
College Community Shocked by Overdoses
Providence College released a statement expressing gratitude for the quick response from first responders and campus safety officials.
“We want to thank the City of Providence first responders on scene, as well as college public safety officials, who administered lifesaving care to our students,” a university spokesperson said.
Students on campus say the incident has left them shaken. Grace Condon, a Providence College student, described how surreal it feels to see such a serious emergency so close to home.
“You hear about it in the news happening to other people and you don’t think it can happen to you until it does,” Condon said. “Everyone needs to be aware of this because it can happen to anyone.”
Students interviewed at a nearby bar echoed the fear and disbelief, noting that the idea of classmates nearly dying from overdoses has sparked new concerns about substance use and risks at off-campus gatherings.
College Launches Its Own Investigation
In addition to the police probe, Providence College announced it is launching an internal investigation to understand how the overdoses occurred and what measures may be necessary to prevent future incidents. The school has not disclosed whether disciplinary or policy changes are being considered but confirmed it is working closely with law enforcement.
The incident comes amid growing scrutiny nationwide over the prevalence of fentanyl in recreational drug use. Even small amounts of the synthetic opioid can be fatal, and officials warn that many users do not realize when substances have been contaminated.
Share Your Thoughts
What steps should colleges and communities take to prevent dangerous drug-related incidents at off-campus gatherings? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
