A Rhode Island man was recently arrested for his alleged role in a double shooting.
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19-year-old Tyquan Johnson was arrested by the US Marshals fugitive task force. At a Virginia apartment complex last Wednesday (July 29). He was taken in for his alleged involvement in a double shooting, according to
the Newport Police Department. But that is far from the most bizarre part of this story.Man Declared 'Miracle' Baby Arrested For Double-Shooting
According to the New York Post, Johnson was once declared a "miracle" baby by the Pope. During Johnson's birth in 2007, he was deprived of oxygen for over an hour without receiving any medical intervention. However, he "suddenly" recovered from the breathing complications.
The physician who was on hand, Dr. Juan Sanchez-Esteban, reportedly prayed to 19th-century Spanish priest Valera Parra for religious intervention instead. Johnson has not had any complications since his birth.
In 2016, a Bishop from Spain sent investigators to Rhode Island to investigate Johnson's birth. According to Father Timothy Reilly, Chancellor of the Diocese of Providence.
"The cool thing is, the more you think about the miracle itself, Father Valera lives in the 19th century," Reilly said to WJAR back in 2025. "He never came to the US. We do not know of him coming here. Never came to Rhode Island. And yet, because the doctor called out and called upon his name for help in the situation back in '07 on behalf of that little baby, he decided to intervene and ask God for a miracle."
This led to his birth officially being declared a miracle by the Vatican last July, almost a year to the day of his eventual arrest.
Accused Man Was Also Arrested Earlier in July
Johnson was also arrested by Newport Police on July 4 on unrelated charges of disorderly conduct and carrying a weapon other than a firearm. The weapon is not specified.
As for his charges in the alleged shooting, Johnson is being brought up on felony assault with a firearm and firing in a compact area.
The police also say that they are seeking a second individual for questioning in the double-shooting. But that person has not been identified.
No word on when Johnson is set to appear in court for his arraignment.
Fortunately, both victims are expected to survive despite their injuries.
