Cranston Police ID Man Arrested For Burbank Street Stabbing

CRANSTON, RI—Police have identified the man accused of stabbing three people on Burbank Street on Tuesday. Raymond M. Basker, 44, of Cranston, was hiding on the first floor of the house at 85 Burbank St., one of the victims told the 911 dispatcher around 8:49 p.m. Tuesday when police were contacted. That victim called 911 to say several people had been "cut." He himself had lost a lot of blood and asked police to send help.

Officers found the bleeding man with "multiple lacerations to his head, face, upper back, arm, leg and neck." They also saw "a deep bite mark" on his shoulder.

After an investigation, police determined Basker, who lives on the first floor, got into a quarrel with the victim in the second-floor apartment. The fight turned physical. Basker allegedly smashed the man over the head with a glass vase, bit him on the shoulder and hit him with a hammer. He allegedly struck the victim with the hammer 13 times.

Two women tried to stop the fight. They were found bleeding from injuries they suffered when they got in between the victim and Basker.

All three victims went to Rhode Island Hospital by rescue. Basker went to Kent County Hospital where he was treated for injuries to his head, hand and face and released.

Basker was charged with Domestic Felony Assault and Domestic Disorderly Conduct, police said. The "domestic" charge reflects the fact one of the victims and Basker are related by marriage. Police also obtained a search warrant for his home.

After a court appearance Wednesday morning, he was released on $20,000 surety with this condition: no contact with any of the victims. He is due in Superior Court on Sept. 19.