No Operating Body Cameras on Providence Police Officers Involved in July 3rd Incident

No Operating Body Cameras on Providence Police Officers Involved in July 3rd Incident

Providence Police have confirmed with GoLocalProv that neither officer involved in the July 3 arrest incident caught on video at India Point Park had an operating body camera.

It has been confirmed that at least one of the officers was not wearing a body camera.

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Here is the timeline:

Sunday Night: Two police officers have a violent incident between Providence Police and Armando Rivas.

The Providence Police report states: 

On 7.3.2022 at approximately 2130hrs. Car 10 LT Jennette was assigned to the Fireworks detail at India Point Park. During this time, the access road to Route 195West was at a standstill due to vehicles parking in the marked lane of travel. As such, LT Jennette was dispersing vehicles when police observed RI REG 803201 displayed on a black Jeep Cherokee parked unattended in the lane of travel. Police waited by the vehicle for approximately ten plus minutes awaiting the operator to return before deciding to tow the vehicle to assist in alleviating traffic. 

As police were arranging for the vehicle to be towed, a subject identified as Armando Rivas (7.10.2000) approached police and stated “what the fuck?” Rivas was informed that his vehicle was being towed due to being parked in the lane of travel at which point Rivas responded “fuck you n-----r” and ran around to the passenger side of the Jeep, gaining access into the front passenger side. Police responded around to the passenger side and instructed Rivas to exit the vehicle. Rivas refused and as LT Jennette stepped closer Rivas pushed LT Jennette’s arm away again yelling “fuck you n----r” among other long profanities. At this point, bystanders began to gather to observe Rivas’ behavior towards police. 

Rivas then ran back to the driver’s side and entered into the vehicle. He was informed he was under arrest and told to cease his actions and place his hands behind his back. As LT Jennette took hold of Rivas’ left arm he flailed wildly attempting to break free. CPT Gencarella, running to the scene, observed these actions and began to attempted to restrain Rivas who in turn began to flail, kick, and punch at both CPT Gencarella and LT Jennette. Rivas engaged these officers in a standing struggle. CPT Gencarella used a palm heel strike to the head of Rivas in an attempt to cease the struggle. While stunned, LT Jennette was able to handcuff Rivas’ right hand and utilize an arm bar take down technique. 

 

Tuesday: GoLocalProv.com exclusively released the video showing two officers struggling with a suspect at the City of Providence fireworks event at India Point Park. 

At the end of the video, one of the officers appears to slam the suspect's head into the pavement after he was in the officer’s control. The video does not contain the beginning of the incident.

Following the release of the video by GoLocalProv, Providence Police released the arrest report, as well as the names of the officers involved — one of whom had been previously sued for a "humiliating" suspect cavity search. 

The City of Providence settled that lawsuit for $18,000 in 2013. 

 

Wednesday: it was confirmed that  Lt. Matthew Jennette and Capt. Steve Gencarella did not have responsive body camera footage from the incident.

Since the incident, Gencarella has gone on injured on duty (IOD) status -- officers on IOD cannot be placed on administrative leave.

A use of force investigation is now pending.