Providence Police Officer Surrounded by ATV Riders—Pulls Weapon, One Arrested
Monday, March 27, 2023
A Providence police officer drew a gun on a group of illegal ATV and dirt bike riders in the city on Sunday before making an arrest.
According to police, the group of riders of ATVs and off-road vehicles -- which are illegal for use on city streets -- had gathered off of Niantic Avenue around 4 PM.
When officers on patrol went to approach the riders, the group scattered, but police were able to approach one individual.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTPolice say that as they attempted to apprehend that rider -- who resisted arrest -- members of the group reportedly came back and surrounded and threatened the two officers on the scene.
One officer drew his department-issued weapon in an attempt to disperse the crowd but did not fire his weapon, say police.
One individual was arrested; the officers' vehicle was reportedly vandalized by the group of riders during the incident.
Mayor Brett Smiley's office issued the following statement following GoLocal's request for comment on Monday:
On Sunday at 4PM, ATV motorists attempted to hit Providence Police officers responding to the scene with their ATVS and at that time officers were prepared to defend themselves. However, thanks to the training and professionalism expected of PPD officers, arrests were made with no shots fired or serious injuries to the officers or any of the suspects.
We want people to know that my Administration is taking the ATV and motorcycle problem seriously, and that Providence Police will respond and arrest anyone using these vehicles making our streets unsafe.
This story was first published Monday March 27, 2023 at 2:28 PM
Updated: Monday March 27, 2023 3:03 PM
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