Standoff in Woonsocket Apartment Ends with Gunfire, Arrest

Woonsocket Police arrested a 33-year-old city man after he allegedly was seen with a gun in a Sayles St. apartment building and prompted a police standoff that ended with gunfire.

Justin Bettencourt pointed a gun at police as they entered his apartment and an officer fired one shot but it did not strike him, police said, and officers were able to take him into custody after a struggle.

Bettencourt is now facing charges of felony assault with a device similar to a firearm, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest for the incident, which resulted in frightened residents of the apartment building being evacuated.

Police said they responded to the complex at 104 Sayles St. at around 2:10 p.m. for a report of a man brandishing a gun in the hallway.

Police soon learned that the man was Bettencourt “who was known to our department as being suicidal and to be in possession of weapons, such as firearms and a crossbow,” according to a release. “While on scene, Bettencourt was seen on surveillance video as having a firearm in his hands while in the hallway of the building. He was displaying very aggressive behavior by banging on other tenant’s doors; causing one tenant to be in fear of Mr. Bettencourt’s actions.”

Police set up a perimeter around the apartment as residents were evacuated. Negotiations began and Bettencourt was asked to come out of the apartment to ensure he was OK.

At one point, police said, he opened the door to allow officers inside. It was then that the struggle ensued and the gun was displayed.

Police said Bettencourt “violently resisted the officers” and the officer fired his weapon out of fear for his life.

Bettencourt was transported to Landmark Medical Center where it was determined that he was not injured. He was later released to police custody and processed on the charges.

One officer was hurt during the scuffle, suffering a minor injury to his forearm, police said.

That officer was transported to Landmark Medical Center as well and later released.

The case is now being reviewed by the state attorney general and the state police.