PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Authorities say the suspect in a fatal stabbing at a Rhode Island hookah lounge earlier this month has been apprehended.

The U.S. attorney’s office for Rhode Island says Joel Francisco was caught Saturday at a hotel in New Braunfels, Texas, just northeast of San Antonio.

The 41-year-old Francisco is a suspect in the Oct. 2 stabbing of 46-year-old Troy Pine at the Nara Lounge in Providence.

Providence police chief Col. Hugh Clements Jr. says Francisco faces a murder charge when he is returned to Rhode Island.

Francisco is a convicted drug dealer and authorities say he is a former gang leader. He was on federal probation at the time of the stabbing.

It was not clear if Francisco had an attorney.

(Copyright (c) 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox