Man Assaults Providence Fire Lieutenant, Attempts to Grab Officer’s Gun, and Spits at Police

Man Assaults Providence Fire Lieutenant, Attempts to Grab Officer’s Gun, and Spits at Police

A man assaulted a member of the Providence Fire Department on Saturday night, before being transported to Rhode Island Hospital — where he attempted to take a Providence police officer’s gun — and spat at police, according to reports. 

Shortly before midnight on Saturday, Providence police were dispatched to the intersection of Westminster and Cranston Street to assist Providence Fire/Rescue with a combative male subject.  Police said they were advised the subject was intoxicated and fighting with Rescue personnel.

Upon arrival, police made contact with Rescue 2, where Rescue Lieutenant Matthew Kiley and Rescue Tech Justin Gomes were restraining a male subject later identified as Jonathan R. Collette on the floor between the stretcher and seating area of the rescue. 

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Kiley said that during the transport, Collette, whom Kiley thought was asleep, unbuckled the seatbelts and jumped towards him and proceeded to punch him. Kiley stated Collette threw several punches which he managed to block. Kiley also stated Collette attempted to choke and scratch him.  

Police observed scratch marks on the right forearm area and right chest area of Kiley.  According to police, it was at this point that Kiley notified Gomes to contact police and ask for assistance. 

Police spoke with Gomes who said that Collette intentionally spat on his left arm and kicked him in the leg during the brief struggle to restrain him.  Gomes and Kiley were able to restrain Collette on the floor of the rescue until police arrived. 

Police assisted Kiley and Gomes in properly securing Collette back onto the stretcher and placed a mask over Collette's face.  Police then followed Rescue #2 to Rhode Island Hospital for the transport of Collette.

Subject at Hospital 

While at the hospital, Collette was released into the custody of Rhode Island Hospital Security and was again buckled onto the stretcher.  

Collette attempted to sit up on the stretcher and was told by police to lie back down.  It was at this point that Collette grabbed his wallet and forcibly threw it at Rescue personnel that were walking by. 

A Providence police officer on hospital detail forcibly restrained Collette, who according to police pulled the keys off Patrolman Kue's duty belt and attempted to grab his duty weapon.  

Collette then punched and kicked the patrolman, striking him in the chest area, causing his body worn camera to fall off, said police. 

Collette was restrained and handcuffed to the hospital bed.  Police said Collette then intentionally spat in the direction of a Sergeant, striking him in the face and arm area and also intentionally spat in the direction of the patrolman, striking him in the face area and on his outer vest carrier.  A spit guard mask was then placed over Collette's face to prevent any further spitting.

Collette will be charged by Patrol Bureau with three counts of Simple Assault.