06/15/2026
For Immediate Release:
The Charlestown Police Department is currently investigating an officer-involved incident that occurred shortly after midnight on June 15, 2026. The incident took place near Old Post Road and Falcone Lane in Charlestown. Neither the suspect nor the involved police officers sustained any injuries. Charlestown Police Department extends its sincere thanks to its mutual aid partners for their assistance in this matter.
Around midnight, Charlestown Police dispatch received a 911 call regarding an erratic wrong-way driver on US Route 1 entering town from South Kingstown. Shortly thereafter, Charlestown Police officers located the suspect vehicle operating erratically on Old Post Road. While attempting to stop the suspect vehicle, the driver rammed an occupied police cruiser and tried to flee. One police officer discharged a firearm during the encounter. Officers eventually stopped the vehicle a short distance further and took the suspect into custody without further incident.
There is no threat to the community. The Rhode Island State Police took a twenty-three-year-old male from Johnston, Rhode Island into custody at the scene, suspected of driving while intoxicated and other offenses. Per state protocol, the Charlestown Police Department immediately contacted the RI Attorney General's Office and the Rhode Island State Police for assistance investigating the officer-involved incident.
This is an active police investigation and the Charlestown Police Department is working cooperatively with the Rhode Island State Police and the RI Attorney General's Office.
Statement prepared by:
Chief Michael J. Paliotta
Charlestown Police Department
