Providence Police Caught on Video Punching Man During Arrest
- The Providence Police Department and the mayor's office have initiated an investigation into a social media video that appears to show police officers punching a man during an...
- The footage, which was shared on social media, depicts officers hitting a man as they arrested him and placed him into a police cruiser.
- The individual involved in the incident has been identified as 30-year-old William Mitchell.
The Providence Police Department and the mayor’s office have initiated an investigation into a social media video that appears to show police officers punching a man during an arrest.
The footage, which was shared on social media, depicts officers hitting a man as they arrested him and placed him into a police cruiser. According to an arrest report from the department, the incident took place on April 24.
The individual involved in the incident has been identified as 30-year-old William Mitchell. Following the event, Mitchell was charged with several offenses, including assaulting officers.
The encounter began on Pembroke Street, where Providence police responded to reports regarding a person in possession of a knife. Officers located Mitchell among several other people at the scene.
Police reports state that Mitchell was initially allowed to leave the scene. However, the situation escalated when Mitchell began filming the officers and berating them with slurs.
According to the police, Mitchell resisted arrest by kicking, spitting at, and berating the officers. Responding officers claimed that the blows seen in the video were delivered to stun Mitchell so that he could be placed into custody.
Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez stated that he had not been aware of the video prior to its circulation on social media. Perez indicated that he plans to review the footage to determine if any further action is required.
In a statement regarding the incident, Chief Perez emphasized the department’s approach to allegations of misconduct.
The Providence Police Department takes all concerns involving officer conduct and use of force seriously, and we are committed to conducting a fair and objective review whenever credible information is presented.
Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez
Perez further noted that, until the video surfaced, the department had not received a formal complaint regarding the use of force during the April 24 arrest.
At this time, I am not aware of any video related to this incident, and no formal complaint has been brought to our attention,
Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez
The investigation into the officers’ conduct is being conducted by both the Providence Police Department and the office of Mayor Brett Smiley.