Connecticut man handed suspended sentence after striking Rhode Island police officer with a vehicle; sending him airborne

A Connecticut man has been sentenced after injuring a Rhode Island police officer with a vehicle.

According to Captain Ryan DeSisto, on June 18th, 2024, at approximately 9:00 p.m., The Coventry Police Department, along with officers of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, responded to the Coventry Bike Path, located west of Lewis Farm Road, to disperse a party.

As officers began walking up to the group to speak with them, a vehicle began fleeing the scene and struck a Coventry Police Officer. That vehicle then fled the scene of the collision towards the direction of Connecticut.

The impact sent the officer airborne, down an embankment, and into a ditch.

The Coventry Police Officer sustained injuries and was transported by Rescue to Kent Hospital for further treatment.

The officer survived, after months of physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Through on-scene witness interviews and additional investigative measures, the suspect was identified as Ryland Roy, then 19, of Thompson, CT, and an extraditable arrest warrant was issued.

According to Coventry PD, Roy appeared in court and pleaded no contest, resulting in a conviction for Felony Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

He was sentenced to six years suspended, with six years of probation.