Providence Police Captain in Head-Smashing Incident Charged With Assault

Providence Police Captain in Head-Smashing Incident Charged With Assault

Providence Police announced on Thursday that Captain Stephen Gencarella is now being charged with simple assault following the incident that occurred on July 3 at India Point Park 

Last week, police announced that they are recommending firing Gencarella for his role in the arrest in which the suspect's head was seen being smashed to the ground on video. 

GoLocalProv was first to report on the video and subsequent response from police. 

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On Thursday, Providence police released the following:

As a result of the investigation conducted by the Providence Police Department’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, and pursuant to the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) and Rhode Island General Laws, Captain Stephen J. Gencarella has been charged with one count of Simple Assault. 

Gencarella will be arraigned [on] August 11, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at 6th District Court. In accordance with LEOBOR, criminal charges must be adjudicated prior to the legal proceedings.
 
Captain Gencarella’s current status within the Providence Police Department remains “Injured on Duty” (I.O.D) at this time.  As a reminder, Providence Police administration has recommended that Captain Gencarella be terminated from his employment as a Providence Police Officer.