21 Arrested After Protests Against Providence Police Turn Violent

PROVIDENCE, RI — Providence police are promising a "full, fair, honest investigation" into a officer-involved crash that has rocked the city in recent days, sparking protests Tuesday night that later became violent. An officer is on administrative leave after a 24-year-old moped rider crashed during a police pursuit.

At a news conference Wednesday, Providence police officials, Mayor Jorge Elorza and Attorney General Peter Neronha all offered their sympathies to the family of Jhamal Gonsalves, who is in the hospital with serious injuries.

Two people were arrested Tuesday night: five women and 16 men, including one who is underage. Nine of those arrested were from Providence. Charges include resisting arrest, obstruction, disorderly conduct and illegal use of fireworks, police said.

On Tuesday evening, a group of protesters gathered in Providence, making their way down Elmwood Avenue and ending up at the Providence Public Safety Headquarters. According to Col. Hugh Clements, the protest was for the most part peaceful, only becoming more "aggressive" after dark.

"We have always promoted peaceful protests, and we will continue to do so," he said.

By approximately 9 p.m., Providence police officers were "literally under fire," Clements said, as the crowd lit off fireworks and threw bottle, bricks, rocks and other objects. Five officers were hit and one was hospitalized with what is believed to be a concussion. Clements thanked the officers at the protest for their "incredible restraint" Tuesday night, saying their professionalism reflected well on the city.

"Tonight, the men and women of the Providence Police Department showed extreme professionalism while witnessing their city, yet again, be attacked by reckless (protesters)," the department tweeted Tuesday night. "Our department is second to none, and we will face any and all matters of adversity head on, as we always do."

Newly released video shows the moments leading up to the crash Sunday, though police do no have unobstructed footage of the moment of impact itself, said Public Safety Commissioner Steven Paré. Anyone with video that could aid in the investigation is urged to reach out to police.

"I know there's a lot of anger, a lot of anxiety and distrust, and I urge all our residents to please withhold judgement on exactly what happened, and allow a thorough, complete investigation to go through," Elorza said.

The investigation is being conducted in conjunction with Neronha's office and the Rhode Island State Police to ensure transparency and to provide "a second set of eyes," Mayor Elorza said. The outcome of the investigation is expected within approximately two weeks.