North Providence Cop Will Not Face Charges For December Shooting

NORTH PROVIDENCE, RI — A North Providence police officer will not faces charges for a shooting incident in December 2018. A grand jury declined to indict Patrolman Mathieu Florio for the nonfatal shooting of Richard Solitro.

According to a release from Attorney General Peter Neronha's office, "the grand jury determined that Officer Florio’s actions were legally justified" and therefore decided not to to indict Florio.

"Officer Florio, was placed in a dangerous, difficult and quickly unfolding situation that December evening," North Providence Police Chief David P. Tikoian said in a statement. "I supported the actions of this officer from the onset and respect the findings of the Grand Jury. I would like to thank the Rhode Island State Police and Attorney General’s Office for their thorough review."

On December 9, Florio shot Solitro after he pulled out a realistic-looking replica gun, The Providence Journal reported. Police received a call from a member of Solitro's family that evening saying Solitro was threatening to harm himself. When officers arrived on scene, Solitro was not at the house, but returned shortly after and brandished the replica pistol.

According to The Providence Journal, Florio told Solitro to drop the weapon, thinking it was real. Florio fired several rounds after Solitro pointed the replica gun at him, causing non-life-threatening injuries.

At the time, North Providence Deputy Police Chief Arthur Martins said the officer's actions were justified, and he took "necessary" action, The Providence Journal continued.