Providence, Rhode Island — A late-night off-campus gathering near Providence College turned into a dangerous medical emergency after seven students overdosed and required urgent lifesaving intervention, prompting a narcotics investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of drugs, weapons, and cash. Police say none of the suspects are affiliated with the college.
Officers Respond to Students Found Unconscious in Front Yard
Providence Police said the incident began when officers were dispatched to a home on Liege Street last week. Upon arrival, officers discovered four students passed out in the front yard, unresponsive and showing clear signs of overdose. In total, seven individuals attending the party had overdosed and required immediate administration of Narcan, police said.
All seven were transported to a nearby hospital, where they were later reported to be conscious and alert. Officials credited the rapid response of first responders and campus public safety officers for preventing multiple fatalities.
College officials later issued a statement expressing gratitude for the swift emergency response and confirming that an internal review would be conducted.
Search Warrant Leads to Firearms, Fentanyl, Cash
Following the medical emergency, Providence Police launched an investigation into the source of the substances involved in the overdoses. Officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Hawkins Street, uncovering a collection of narcotics and weapons indicative of illegal drug distribution.
Authorities seized:
• Approximately 20 grams of fentanyl
• $1,700 in cash
• Two rifles
• Three handguns, including one “ghost gun” — a firearm with no serial number
• Additional evidence linking the suspects to narcotics trafficking
Police arrested Angel Williams, 33, Patrick Patterson, 32, and Kimsheree Simoneau, 33, in connection with the investigation. According to officials, Williams and Patterson face multiple drug and firearm charges and remain held without bail, while Simoneau, charged with possession of a ghost gun, was released on $10,000 bond.
Investigators confirmed none of the three suspects are Providence College students.
Police Emphasize Ongoing Fight Against Fentanyl in Providence
Providence Police Colonel Oscar Perez said the incident underscores the department’s continued focus on reducing the presence of fentanyl and illegal firearms within the community.
“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.”
Officials say fentanyl-related overdoses continue to be a major public safety concern across Rhode Island, and incidents involving young adults remain especially alarming due to the unpredictability of street-level drug potency.
Providence College Responds and Launches Internal Review
In a statement, Providence College acknowledged the severity of the incident and thanked city first responders and campus public safety officers for administering lifesaving care to affected students.
The college also confirmed it is conducting its own investigation to determine how the drugs made their way into the off-campus gathering and to ensure student safety going forward. While the overdose victims are expected to recover, the episode has intensified concerns among students and parents as the academic year continues.
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Investigation Ongoing as Police Monitor Drug Sources
Providence Police have not released additional details about who supplied the drugs or whether more arrests are expected. The case remains active as investigators trace the distribution chain and continue interviewing witnesses connected to the off-campus party.
Officials say further charges may be filed as evidence is processed and as investigators evaluate whether the seized substances match the drugs that caused the overdoses.
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