Warwick Police Colonel Issues Update on Shooting at Station

Warwick Police Colonel Issues Update on Shooting at Station

Warwick Police Colonel Bradford Connor issued a statement regarding the alleged attack and shooting that took place at the city’s police station on Friday.

The police identify the alleged attacker of the police officer as 29-year old Jacob Thomas of Warwick. And, he remains at RI Hospital as of Monday.

When he is released, Warwick police state that he will be formally charged with felony assault.

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“On Friday, January 14, 2022, at 4:20 pm, a group of patrol officers were entering the main lobby of police Headquarters from the community room after a briefing and were immediately confronted by a 29-year old male who was holding a knife. The male charged at police officers striking Officer Jessica Masso in the torso.  Thankfully, her bulletproof vest stopped the knife and she was not injured.  Officers discharged their weapons striking the suspect causing him to take several steps back.  He then charged at the officers a second time, still holding the knife, causing officers to again discharge their weapons,” said Connor.

According to Connor, “The suspect then fell to the ground and ignored the officers’ repeated commands to drop the knife. The suspect attempted to get up and continued to point the knife at officers. Officers were then able to deploy a Taser causing the suspect to drop the knife and be taken into custody.  Officers immediately rendered medical aid and summoned Warwick Rescue, who transported the suspect to RI Hospital.”

“The officers involved were Officer Jessica Masso (3 years), Officer Oliver Pinheiro (3 years), Officer Michael Bailey (3.5 years), and Sergeant Walter Larson (7 years).  We are extremely grateful that none of the brave men and women of the Warwick Police Department involved in this incident were seriously injured and grateful to the numerous members of law enforcement and the public who have expressed their support in the days following this unfortunate event,” said Connor.

Members of the Attorney General’s office and the Rhode Island State Police are investigating the incident.  "In accordance with our Use of Force policy, each of the officers involved has been placed on a non-punitive administrative leave pending completion of an administrative review," he said.