Body cam footage released from teens’ violent arrests

A still frame from police body camera footage released by Providence Police apparently shows an officer spitting on a handcuffed suspect during the arrests of three teens who led officers on an hours-long pursuit July 9, 2021.

WPRO News and The Associated Press 

Police body-cam footage from the July 9 arrest of three teenagers that led to disciplinary action against two Providence officers has been released by police.

Over seven hours of video released, much of it the same place and time from different angles and different body cameras.

A good deal of footage from the scene shows the crashed, stolen BMW convertible at 2:03AM, police from multiple cruisers pinning suspects, attaching handcuffs.

The more than eight hours of footage released Wednesday show at least two teenagers getting punched multiple times after they were arrested following a prolonged car chase through the city.

One video shows an officer delivering several blows to a teen’s face while another officer holds the boy’s head and hands back.

Another video shows an officer punching one of the teens on the ground until he has to be restrained.

One officer, seen from behind with arms swinging, being pulled away by another policeman.

The takedown following a chase after reports of BB gun shots fired from a speeding car.

Two of officers, identified as Domingo Diaz and Mitchel Voyer are on paid leave. Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare cites excessive use of force.

Mayor Jorge Elorza has called the video appalling.

The Police Department, in a statement, said it will make no further comment, citing the law enforcement officers’ bill of rights.

Attorney General Peter Neronha’s office also issued a statement, saying it has concluded interviews with all available witnesses, and would have no further comment on the content of the body-worn camera footage:

“While those witnesses to the incident available to investigators have been interviewed, the investigation and evaluation of the evidence gained to date by this Office, the Rhode Island State Police and the Providence Police Department continues. We also remain in contact with our federal counterparts at the United States Attorney’s Office.

“We appreciate the continued public interest in this incident and will share additional information with the public as soon as we are prepared and permitted to do so.”

This story has been updated 

Body camera footage released and redacted by Providence Police shows one of three teenagers arresting following an hours long pursuit July 9, 2021 led away in handcuffs. Two Providence officers have been suspended pending an investigation into the encounter.