North Prov Police Union Commends Officers for Using “Less-Lethal Force” in Homicide Suspect Arrest

Tuesday, May 04, 2021

GoLocalProv News Team

 

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The North Providence Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) commended officers involved in the arrest of a homicide suspect for "displaying exemplary judgement and deploying a less lethal use of force while effecting a dangerous arrest over the weekend."

Officers were called to the Cumberland Farms on Smith Street around 4:00 Saturday afternoon for a report of a fight. The victim, 60-year-old Brian Cervini, was found suffering from multiple stab wounds. He later died at the hospital.

Suspect "Violently Resisted Arrest"

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The suspect, 27-year-old Christopher Cabajal, fled the scene. Witnesses helped direct officers to Cabajal's whereabouts at Rhode Island Billiard Bar and Bistro. Upon arriving, officers attempted to handcuff Cabajal, who violently resisted arrest. After multiple attempts to de-escalate the situation with verbal commands, officers were forced to deploy a taser on Cabajal. He was then taken into custody.
   
"On behalf of the officers of the North Providence Police Department, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim, Brian Cervini," said FOP #13 President Tom Jones. "Our officers displayed exceptional judgment and quick thinking in the arrest of the suspect, who was considered armed and dangerous."

"When officers respond to a call in which a deadly weapon was used, they must quickly assess the situation to decide the appropriate level of force to ensure the safety of themselves, their brother and sister officers, and the public," he added. "Despite the circumstances, and while operating across three crime scenes, officers relied upon their extensive training and were able to bring to an end a violent, aggressive altercation with the suspect."

"Against the backdrop of unrest across the country and recent high-profile police-involved shootings, we would like to draw some much-needed attention to this latest example of officers' commendable and heroic actions, which are far more common but not often recognized," said the FOP.

"We wish the outcome of this tragedy had been different, and did not result in the death of an innocent person, but we are thankful and proud that, because of the quick-thinking of our well-trained officers, the altercation with the suspect did not end in further injury to himself, to officers, or to the public," the FOP continued. 

The FOP 13 also thanked the witnesses who helped direct officers to the suspect's location.

 

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