VIDEO: Body Cam Footage Released by Providence Police After Man Dies in Custody

VIDEO: Body Cam Footage Released by Providence Police After Man Dies in Custody

Providence Police have released body camera footage of an incident early Friday morning in the city -- where police were called to a report of a man in distress, who later died. 

About Incident

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Shortly after 12:30 AM on Friday, Providence Police responded to 18 Collyer Street for a report of a white male subject who was screaming in the middle of the street, possibly under the influence of narcotics. 

Upon arrival police observed the subject, identified as Joseph Ventre, age 34, inside the grassy field behind a chain-link fence, yelling and screaming. 

According to Providence Police, as officers attempted to speak with Ventre, he began pacing back and forth, rolling in the dirt at times, and not answering questions asked by police. Police immediately requested the Providence Fire Department to the scene to assist.

Police Involvement

Police attempted to place handcuffs on the subject to prevent injuries and for the safety of rescue personnel "due to his erratic behavior."

Police said in a statement that the subject continued to refuse to comply with police commands and after a minor struggle, the subject was placed on a stretcher and into the Providence Fire Department rescue where PFD personnel began to perform CPR, according to Providence Police. 

The subject was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he was pronounced deceased at 1:41 a.m. Friday morning. 

PPD Detectives responded to the scene to initiate an investigation and the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office along with the Rhode Island State Police were notified and joined the investigation pursuant to the Attorney General’s "use of force protocol."
 
This incident remains under investigation and the PPD’s Office of Professional Responsibly will continue to review any additional Body Worn Camera footage.