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Pawtucket Officer Involved in Shooting of Man with Toy Gun

Scene of the Pawtucket police shooting incident involving a toy gun.

News Summary

On June 8, 2025, a Pawtucket police officer shot a man who was allegedly wielding a toy gun. The incident raised concerns about law enforcement response to perceived threats. The man’s injuries are non-life-threatening and he was transported to a local hospital. The officer has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office. The community awaits further updates amid ongoing scrutiny of police protocols in handling firearm-related situations.

Pawtucket Police Officer Involved in Shooting of Man with Toy Gun

Rhode Island – A Pawtucket police officer was involved in a shooting incident on June 8, 2025, at approximately 10:23 a.m., at the intersection of Broad Street and Goff Avenue. The incident unfolded when police received multiple reports about a man who was allegedly pointing a weapon at himself and at bystanders.

Upon arrival at the scene, the responding officer encountered the individual and, after assessing the situation, discharged their weapon, resulting in a gunshot wound to the man’s shoulder. Fortunately, the injury is being reported as non-life-threatening. Following the incident, the man received immediate medical attention and was transported to a local hospital by the Pawtucket Rescue service.

Initial investigations indicate that the man may not have been armed with a real firearm, but potentially a toy gun. This detail is critical as it raises questions about the officer’s perception of threat during the confrontation.

As per standard protocol following such incidents, the officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave. This precautionary measure ensures that an impartial investigation can be conducted regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The investigation is being led by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, in collaboration with the Rhode Island State Police and Pawtucket Police Detectives. Their goal is to gather all relevant facts and evidence related to the event, including any potential discrepancies regarding the weapon used and the officer’s response.

At the time of publication, Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien had not provided any comments or updates concerning the incident, leaving many local residents in anticipation of further information.

The situation is still developing, with further details expected to be released as the investigation progresses. Authorities have not disclosed a timeline for when the investigation may conclude.

Background Context

Officer-involved shootings have been a subject of heightened scrutiny across the United States, with many communities emphasizing the importance of police training and the protocols in place for handling situations involving individuals displaying weapons. In this latest incident in Pawtucket, the potential implications of engaging an individual with what was initially perceived as a firearm but later considered possibly a toy raise significant concerns about law enforcement’s response to perceived threats.

Such occurrences have historically led to discussions about the mental health support needed for individuals exhibiting such behavior, as well as the training and resources available to police officers to manage confrontations involving weapons safely.

Local authorities are expected to provide updates as the investigation into the shooting continues, working to ensure both accountability and transparency in the handling of the case. Residents of Pawtucket are urged to remain calm and informed as more details come to light regarding this alarming incident.