Should it be 'provided' or 'providing'?

[bpteo]

Hope someone can help with this question:

He reported how after a witness's description of the burglar was given on the show, dozens of people telephoned the police, (provided, providing) information about the suspect.

Should it be 'provided' or 'providing'?

Appreciate if you offer detail explaination of your choice.

[svartnik]

He reported how after a witness's description of the burglar was given on the show, dozens of people telephoned the police, (provided, providing) information about the suspect.

The problem, reduced to its bare bones, looks like this:

1. X telephoned, providing information.
vs.
2. X telephoned, ((X) being) provided information.

The sentence conveys 1. and not 2.