Man Attempts to Stab Providence Place Mall Security Guard — Charged With Felony Assault
Providence RI October 13 2022
A security guard at Providence Place Mall said a shoplifter attempted to stab him on Monday night.
It marks the latest episode of violence at the downtown location — as the owners of the mall seek a new tax “treaty” with the City of Providence.
Shortly after 9 PM Monday night, police responded to Providence Place for a report of a man with a knife.
Police said they met with the mall security guard — a 20-year-old male — who said he recognized the suspect from a shoplifting incident in the mall earlier in the day.
The security guard told police he approached the suspect, a man in his 30s, in the stairwell near CVS, and instructed him to come with him, and grabbed him so he wouldn’t leave.
According to the security guard, the suspect said, “I’m going to stab you” and pulled out a pocket knife and swung it at him.
The suspect then reportedly fled on foot out of the mall onto Memorial Boulevard.
Police said they were able to locate and apprehend the suspect a short while later, who was identified as Davon Ruspus.
When police conducted a background check, they found he had a bench warrant for a prior shoplifting charge.
He is now facing charges of felony assault with a dangerous weapon.
