Man Gets 40 Years In Prison For Shooting Providence Police Officer

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Providence man will serve 40 years in prison after being convicted Wednesday of shooting a Providence Officer Matthew McGloin in 2019.

Tyrone Robinson, 22, pleaded nolo contendere in Providence Superior Court to assault with intent to commit murder, discharge of a firearm while committing a crime of violence, intent to commit murder and carrying a pistol without a license.

Superior Court Justice Robert Kraus sentenced Robinson to 60 years in prison, with 40 to serve at the Adult Correctional Institution (ACI) in Cranston.

"The men and women in law enforcement in Providence and beyond work hard to ensure the safety of Rhode Islanders every day, knowing that significant risk to their own safety is never far away," Attorney Peter General Neronha. "This case vividly illustrates the scope of that risk, and the danger of illegal firearms in the hands of those all too willing to use them, regardless of consequence. The defendant’s intent here was clear: to kill or seriously injure a police officer, with civilians nearby, and in broad daylight."

Prosecutors said on Aug. 9, 2019, Robinson opened fire at two Providence police officers in a laundromat parking lot on Admiral Street, striking one officer in his body armor vest.

Later that afternoon, McGloin and Officer Jonathan Smith drove into the laundromat parking lot in their patrol vehicle, where they saw Robinson sitting in the driver’s seat of a parked silver Saturn sedan. As the officers got out of the cruiser, the Robinson left his sedan and shot at the officers, striking McGloin in the torso where the bullet became lodged in his body armor vest. Officer Smith returned fire during the incident.

After firing six shots, Robinson ran away in the direction of Douglas Avenue. Both officers pursued Robinson until he ran into his home on Douglas Avenue. About 15 minutes later, Robinson came outside and surrendered to police.

McGloin, a 10-year veteran, sustained an impact wound when a bullet struck his protective vest during the shootout. He was taken to the hospital, but survived his injuries.

"The Providence Police Department has a proud history of service to the residents and visitors to our city," said Providence Police Col. Hugh Clements said. "Despite the inherent risks that accompany the role of a police officer in this ever-changing world, the men and women of this department remain vigilant in their duty to protect and serve our community and ensure public safety to best of their ability each and every day."