Police arrested an East Providence gunman after a violent struggle with police, prompting officers to shoot him – Fall River Reporter

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I — East Providence police have charged a 40-year-old city man with numerous firearms charges, one count of domestic violence and one count of resisting arrest after officers responded to a domestic disturbance at his apartment.

Officers were called to the apartment after a family member called police. When the officer arrived, they contacted Herlin Perry in an upstairs bedroom. Perry was holding a gun and begged the officers to shoot him, but refused to obey the officer’s command to drop the weapon. Officers eventually recovered the semi-automatic pistol.

A heated fight ensued with Perry that lasted several minutes. During the struggle, the arresting officers noticed that several large magazines were scattered around the room. Once Perry was in custody, officers discovered that the handgun Perry picked up was loaded. A loaded AR-15 sporting rifle was also within reach of Perry. Several loaded, high-capacity magazines were lined up on a nearby chair.

No officers were injured during the fight.

Perry was transported to the police station and later taken to the hospital after further comments about harming himself.

Police stated that the responding officers demonstrated a high level of restraint and professionalism during this extremely sensitive incident and that this undoubtedly prevented serious injury or death not only to the officers and Perry, but also to witnesses at the scene .

Chief Christopher Francesconi said: “This was a very dangerous and volatile situation. Without my officer’s efforts to de-escalate, things could have turned out very differently. I commend the officers for their actions during this violent situation, which fortunately did not result in any injuries to them, Mr. Perry or anyone else present at the residence.”

Perry was ultimately charged in 6th District Court with domestic violence – disorderly conduct, prohibition of large capacity feeding devices (4 counts), carrying a weapon while intoxicated and resisting arrest.