Hours-long standoff ends peacefully in North Providence
by: Sarah Doiron
NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The hours-long standoff at a North Providence home has officially ended, according to police.
North Providence Police Chief Alfredo Ruggiero told 12 News a mental health clinician called around 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, requesting officers to swing by her client’s Charles Street home for a well-being check.
“The client had called her and stated that somebody was in his attic and he has the right to defend himself,” Ruggiero explained.
He said the 60-year-old man told his clinician that he had a gun, but officers have not confirmed if a weapon was found.
The man’s 92-year-old mother, who is visiting from Greece, was inside the house with him. Officers tried to speak with her, but the man did not allow them to.
Around 1:30 a.m. Thursday, police were able to finally enter the home.
“Once the suspect was out of sight, we ended up breaching the door, we took the door down. A brief struggle ensued, but nobody was injured,” Ruggiero said.
The man was taken to Rhode Island Hospital to be evaluated, Ruggiero added.
Miner Street, where police were staged, is now back open after being closed for more than eight hours.
“Everyone did a great job. I’m very proud of the men and women of the agency,” Ruggiero said. “I’d really like to express my thanks to the folks here at Miner for their patience. They were great. A couple of calls came in, asking how long it was going to be, if they were in danger, and we calmed them down as best as possible.”
Ruggiero said the man “has been hostile and confrontational” with officers in the past, but have not identified him at this time.
No word on any charges at this time.