Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrol Officer James Caruso was shot and killed at the conclusion of a vehicle pursuit of a 19-year-old youth and three juveniles. The Pawtucket Police Department reported that a vehicle was wanted in connection with a robbery of a shotgun and rifle at a local store. Officer Caruso spotted the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the car fled, and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle crashed into a utility pole at Prospect Street and Beverage Hill Avenue in Pawtucket. As Officer Caruso walked up to the stolen car, the 19-year-old shot him twice in the head. All four suspects were captured a few hours later and charged with Officer Caruso's murder. All three juveniles were acquitted at their trials. The 19-year-old youth was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on June 19, 1958. He was paroled in August of 1971. Officer Caruso had served with the East Providence Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-RI-CE51F63C- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrol Officer Caruso gave the East Providence Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the East Providence community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Caruso.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrol Officer James R. Caruso is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In RI, 25 of 55 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 45.5% of this state's fallen. That is 8.7 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At East Providence Police Department, 1 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James R. Caruso's cause is highlighted.
How James R. Caruso Compares
Offender Outcome
larceny
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James R. Caruso is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James R. Caruso was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from East Providence Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
