News Summary
Providence police have responded to several disturbances including a threat and an overnight incident involving a possible stabbing. A woman was arrested at a school for making threats, and police later discredited stabbing reports. These events follow a chaotic incident that resulted in disciplinary actions for several officers. Authorities are facing challenges with uncooperative witnesses. Community members express concerns about increasing disturbances, emphasizing a need for youth programs to curb behavior. Police efforts continue to ensure safety in the area.
Providence Police Respond to Multiple Disturbances, Including Arrests and a Vehicle Incident
Providence police responded to several disturbances this week, including an incident at Community Preparatory School where a woman was arrested for making threats and causing a disruption. The woman reportedly threatened a staff member over the phone before arriving at the school with a 9-year-old child. She was taken into custody without any further incidents, and the child was released to their father. The woman faces charges of disorderly conduct and disturbance of public assembly.
In a separate incident, police investigated a disturbance on Broad Street overnight that included reports of a stabbing. After the investigation, authorities confirmed that no one had been stabbed; instead, individuals displayed a knife and fled before police arrived.
This string of disturbances comes on the heels of a previous incident from July 5, which prompted the city to announce that several police officers would face disciplinary action and mandatory retraining. A review conducted by Providence’s law department influenced the decision to drop charges against three individuals arrested during that incident. Body camera footage showed a chaotic scene with significant physical force used by police, including an officer striking a man who had resisted arrest for approximately 44 seconds.
During that event, officers encountered about 200 individuals at one location, with 50 to 70 fleeing a residence amid loud commotion. Tensions escalated when two individuals approached officers as they attempted to arrest a non-compliant man, resulting in one officer pushing them back to create space. While the woman involved in the disturbance was arrested without issue, the man resisted, which led to further intervention by the police.
On Tuesday evening, police also responded to reports of a hit-and-run and gunfire near the now-closed St. Joseph’s Hospital. A local resident reported hearing screams followed by a gunshot, prompting a swift call to authorities. Paramedics transported the victim of the vehicle incident to a hospital with injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.
Residents have expressed increasing concern over rowdy behavior in that area, particularly incidents involving vehicles doing wheelies in the parking lot. Community member Doug Victor highlighted the issue, indicating a need for attention to the growing disturbances. Furthermore, State Representative David Morales commented on the necessity for increased investment in summer programs for youth, emphasizing that providing safe recreational options may help alleviate such incidents.
Witnesses to the disturbances have been largely uncooperative with police, complicating the ongoing investigations into these recent events. Police officials are continuing their efforts to manage these situations while maintaining safety and order in the community.
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Additional Resources
- ABC6 News
- Providence Journal
- News Radio IHeart
- WPRI 12 News
- Turn to 10 News
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- Google Search: Providence disturbances
- Google Scholar: Community Policing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Violent Conduct
- Google News: Providence police disturbances
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
