The citation shall be served by any deputy sheriff, town sergeant, or constable, at least four (4) days before the time therein appointed for taking the oath, by reading the citation to the plaintiff or by leaving an attested copy thereof at his or her last and usual place of abode in this state, with some person living there, and the citation shall be returned to the court in which the action is pending. If the plaintiff does not reside in this state, service of the citation may be made in like manner upon the agent or attorney of record of the plaintiff in this state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-13-16