EAST PROVIDENCE — East Providence Police have identified the driver and victim of a deadly motor vehicle accident that took place in the early morning hours of Sunday, Dec. 10.

Chaz Gagnon, 20 and of Pawtucket, was the operator of the car, which crashed in the area of Veterans Memorial Parkway and Crowne Avenue just after 1 a.m. Gagnon was transported to hospital after he sustained serious injuries to his lower body and face.

The passenger was named as Ariana Roody, also 20 and of Woonsocket. Roody died from the injuries she sustained in the crash. She was pronounced dead at Rhode Island Hospital.

Officers responded to the accident site where they observed a white Kia sedan with heavy front-end damage. A female passenger in the front seat was unconscious and sustained serious injuries.

Several minutes prior to the crash, patrol officers were investigating a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of the Bullocks Point Village apartment complex.

During the investigation, Gagnon provided a false name to police officers and fled the parking lot, driving over an island divider and curbing before fleeing the scene. A description of the vehicle was broadcast to other units. The officers did not pursue the vehicle due to heavy fog and the unknown nature of the offenses or if warrants existed.

Gagnon is currently facing the following charges:

• Driving to Endanger, Death Resulting
• Reckless Driving/Eluding Police
• Obstructing an Officer in Execution of Duty
• Fugitive From Justice (3 counts)

Gagnon was held without bail and is still in custody at Rhode Island Hospital recovering from injuries sustained in the crash.

Members of EPPD Traffic Unit and Crash continue to investigate the crash. The department indicated additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.

Gagnon was previously known to local law enforcement. He has an extensive history with several departments in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.

Gagnon was arrested by Seekonk Police a year ago this time, in December 2022, for his alleged role in a series of car thefts in the town as well as surrounding communities.

He has no record of previous arrests in East Providence.