Investigation and Review Determined Actions by Officers were Justified
In accordance with the Attorney General's Protocol Regarding Use of Deadly Force Incidents and Custodial Deaths, Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin today released the results of the investigation into the July 2, 2018 officer involved shooting by the Woonsocket Police Department.
After a thorough investigation by the Woonsocket Police Department and Rhode Island State Police and review by the Office of the Attorney General, it has been determined that the shooting by members of the Woonsocket Police Department was in full compliance with Rhode Island state law regarding the use of deadly force, as well as the law of self-defense.
Based on the results of the investigation, the Office of the Attorney General determined it is not necessary to present the matter for grand jury review. Attached is the report outlining the factual summary of the incidents that took place on July 2, 2018, the legal standards which are applied in all cases of use of deadly force by police officers, legal analysis, and conclusion.
The review was conducted by Deputy Attorney General Gerald J. Coyne.
Commenting on the incident, Attorney General Peter Kilmartin praised the action of the officers, "This was a highly volatile and dangerous situation. While the criminal case against the suspect continues, it is clear from this investigation that the officers showed exemplary professionalism and restraint. Although most officers hope they never have to fire upon a suspect, they are trained to do so. The officers involved in the incident relied upon that training to apprehend a very dangerous individual without the loss of life of any officers or the public."