Armed Fugitive Feliciano Caught in Rhode Island

Hands in handcuffs, symbolizing arrest or detention

A career criminal with multiple illegal firearms evaded capture for nearly five months after allegedly opening fire in a Massachusetts bar, injuring three people—while those weapons remain on the streets today.

Story Snapshot

Xabiel Feliciano, 30, allegedly shot three people at Worcester’s Guertin’s Cafe on December 29, 2025, then fled across state lines
Multi-agency task force spent two months tracking the armed fugitive before arresting him in Rhode Island on May 12, 2026
Multiple firearms used in the shooting spree remain unrecovered, posing ongoing public safety threats to the community
Feliciano faces 11 criminal charges including assault with a dangerous weapon and multiple firearm violations

Five-Month Manhunt Ends in Rhode Island

Federal marshals and state police apprehended Xabiel Feliciano in North Providence, Rhode Island, nearly five months after he allegedly opened fire at a Worcester bar. The arrest concluded a two-month intensive fugitive investigation coordinated by the U.S. Marshals Service, Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, and Rhode Island’s Violent Fugitive Task Force. Feliciano had been characterized as armed and dangerous throughout the manhunt. The multi-jurisdictional effort demonstrates the resource intensity required when violent offenders flee across state lines, a pattern that challenges law enforcement effectiveness and drains taxpayer-funded resources.

Triple Shooting at Worcester Bar

Three people suffered injuries when Feliciano allegedly opened fire at Guertin’s Cafe on Grand Street in Worcester on December 29, 2025. Police confirmed multiple firearms were discharged during the incident, though investigators have not recovered all weapons used. The shooting occurred during operational hours at the public establishment, with witnesses present. Worcester Police Department issued urgent community warnings emphasizing the unrecovered firearms posed continuing dangers. This incident adds to Worcester’s ongoing challenges with gang violence and property crime, undermining community safety in Massachusetts’ second-largest city where law-abiding residents deserve protection from repeat violent offenders.

Career Criminal Faces Serious Charges

Prosecutors filed 11 criminal charges against Feliciano, including two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Additional charges encompass use of a firearm during a felony, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, and carrying ammunition without proper identification. Property-related charges include three counts of vandalizing property, plus disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct. The firearm violations alone demonstrate flagrant disregard for Massachusetts licensing laws designed to prevent exactly this type of violence. Career criminal status likely triggers enhanced sentencing guidelines, potentially resulting in 10-20+ year sentences with mandatory minimums for firearm enhancements under state law.

Unrecovered Weapons Remain Public Threat

Law enforcement officials confirmed that multiple firearms used during the December shooting remain unaccounted for, representing an ongoing public safety concern. Investigators have not disclosed the specific types of weapons or current recovery efforts. The presence of unrecovered guns in the community raises critical questions about illegal weapons trafficking networks and potential accomplices. These missing firearms could facilitate additional violent crimes or fall into the hands of other criminals. This situation exemplifies the failures of existing gun control laws that burden law-abiding citizens while career criminals access multiple illegal weapons. Communities deserve prosecutors and judges who prioritize public safety by keeping violent repeat offenders behind bars rather than allowing them to terrorize neighborhoods.

The successful apprehension validates multi-agency task force coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement. However, the nearly five-month period between the shooting and arrest allowed a dangerous armed fugitive to evade justice while potential evidence grew cold. Worcester residents and Guertin’s Cafe patrons now await prosecution that will determine whether the criminal justice system delivers accountability. The three victims continue recovery from physical injuries and psychological trauma, facing medical expenses and life disruptions caused by alleged criminal violence that should have been prevented through stronger enforcement of existing laws and tougher sentencing for career criminals.