Providence Cop Slams Man's Head Into Ground, RI AG Investigating

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Attorney General and Providence Police Department have opened an investigation into two officers after video of an arrest began circulating after the July 4 weekend.

The Boston Globe first reported news of the investigation on Tuesday. On Wednesday, a spokesperson with the Attorney General's Office told Patch that the Providence police "advised this Office of this arrest and its circumstances late yesterday (Tuesday)."

"Pursuant to the Attorney General's Use of Force Protocol, we have begun a review of the matter," they added.

According to WPRI, the video depicts Captain Steve Gencarella and Lt. Matthew Jennette in the process of handcuffing and arresting Armando Rivas. In the video linked here, officers are able to get Rivas to the ground, but, while he's lying stationary, an officer grabs Rivas by the back of the head and slams it into the ground.

In an interview with the news station, Police Commissioner Steven Paré called the use of force "disturbing."

“There is a lot more we need to do on what led up to it, and perhaps witnesses can fill in some. But the 30-second clip I have seen is concerning and that is why we initiated a review along with the attorney general’s office so we can review it and look at policy,” he added.

Community members and organizations have responded swiftly to the video.

The Black Lives Matter RI PAC said they are "disappointed and disheartened by the actions displayed by two high-ranking officers within the Providence Police Department, officers who set an example for their subordinates."

Providence arrest records show that Rivas faces four violations, including resisting arrest, simple assault, disorderly conduct and obstruction.

According to the Globe, officers were attempting to tow a Jeep around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, just after the fireworks display at India Point Park came to a close. Rivas, a police report claims, attempted to get into the car as to not allow the tow to happen.

What happens next is what is seen on video, but officers additionally claim that Rivas had a serrated knife on his waistband at the time of the arrest.

A partial piece of the report was released on Twitter by the journalist Bill Bartholomew.