Man Charged With Assaulting Police Officer Following Hit-and-Run on Rt. 95

Man Charged With Assaulting Police Officer Following Hit-and-Run on Rt. 95

Providence police were called to assist in locating a vehicle reportedly involved in a hit-and-run incident on Rt. 95 on Friday afternoon. 

According to police, upon locating the vehicle, the driver resisted arrest and is being charged with simple assault against an officer. 

Police also reportedly found alcohol, marijuana, and a loaded weapon in the vehicle. 

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About Incident 

A broadcast went out from Rhode Island State Police shortly after 4 PM on Friday, asking law enforcement to be on the lookout for a red vehicle that was involved in a hit-and-run accident on Rt. 95.

The vehicle was reported to have exited the highway onto Elmwood Avenue. 

Providence police said they located the vehicle at the intersection of Elmwood and McKinley — at which time, the vehicle operator — later identified as Joel Deleon Pascual — attempted to back up into the police cruiser and flee, unsuccessfully. 

According to police, Pascual was uncooperative, and additional units were called in. 

Police said that in the process of trying to detain Pascual, a physical struggle ensued at which time he reportedly attempted to punch the officer and reach for an officer’s gun in his belt.

Police report they were required to use force to subdue and ultimately detain Pascual. 

In a subsequent search of Pascual’s vehicle, police report finding open alcohol containers, suspected marijuana, as well as a loaded 9mm gun. 

Pascual is facing charges of resisting arrest and simple assault.