PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Providence Police Department said Wednesday that it arrested the father of a 7-year-old girl killed in a shooting in the city. Police Chief Oscar Perez said 27-year-old Nelson Pires was charged with two counts of child endangerment and driving on a suspended license. The shooting happened on Florence Street on Aug. 29, when police said a man shot at Pires with his two children in the backseat of a car. One shot hit 7-year-old Ny’Eil Pires, who later died at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Perez said police were investigating an altercation involving Pires that led up to the shooting. “The actions of Nelson Pires demonstrated a total disregard for the safety and wellbeing of his children,” Perez said. “The nature of his actions went beyond poor judgment, they resulted in the loss of an innocent child’s life and placed other young vulnerable lives at significant risk.” The two suspects, Ahmari Cabrera and Shaheem Nathaniel, appeared in court on Sept. 3 and are facing murder charges. Police said Pires has a lengthy criminal record and is scheduled to appear in district court on Thursday. Perez released the following statement upon the announcement of the arrest: Our primary responsibility as police officers is to ensure the safety of all individuals, especially vulnerable children who cannot protect themselves. The charges brought forth reflect our commitment to upholding the law and holding individuals accountable when their actions put others at risk. Categories: News, Providence, Rhode Island