Johnston Police Searching for Driver Involved in Pursuit Tuesday

JOHNSTON, RI—Police have issued an arrest warrant for Shawn Cornwell, 40, of Providence, Deputy Chief Daniel Parrillo said. Cornwell fled when an officer attempted to stop him for registration violations on Plainfield Street. He sped away and then swerved his Nissan straight at a second police officer in a patrol car, which had been dispatched to assist the first officer. That officer pulled into the breakdown lane to avert a collision.

The incident started at 2:29 p.m. in Johnston but continued into Providence. Providence police and state police were alerted. On Gray Street, Cornwell slowed down, and a woman passenger jumped from his car. She suffered minor injuries. He kept driving towards Mount Pleasant Avenue, but Johnston police broke off the chase to check on the woman's condition. Later, the car was found in Providence, but Cornwell was not with the vehicle.

He is being charged with one felony (Assault with a Vehicle); and two misdemeanors (Eluding an officer and Operating without a License). No officers were injured. Anyone with information on his whereabouts can contact Johnston Police at 231-4210.