Prev
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
neuraspine_01krbxtmqehd0rbr9ywx579b0e- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
East Providence Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 25 officers killed feloniously in RI, 45.5% of the 55 remembered there.
James is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1958, 3 officers in RI were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1958, 63 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 119th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1958, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 33. Of the 25 killed feloniously in RI whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 40. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 9.5 years.
James was 33. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 33. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 8% of these deaths in RI; June holds the most, 24%. Mondays: 20%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at East Providence Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 45.5% of all 55 deaths in RI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 32% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
East Providence Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 11-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from East Providence Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
