Identity of 50-year-old driver released after fatal crash into home in Rhode Island

A man who died after fleeing from a traffic stop and crashing into a residence has been identified.

According to police, on Tuesday just after 10:45 p.m., the Coventry Police Department responded to 20 Anthony St. for a disturbance.

While officers were enroute, the caller advised that three victims were forced into a vehicle against their will at knifepoint. Officers located the suspect vehicle traveling on Washington St. and conducted a motor vehicle stop. Once stopped, the suspect vehicle then backed into a Coventry Police patrol vehicle causing minor damage. At that time, all victims within the vehicle exited safely. The suspect then fled the area in the vehicle. The vehicle continued west on Washington St. and Coventry Officers soon lost sight of it. Coventry Police Officers later located the vehicle after it had crashed into a residence located at 1044 Main St.

No one in that residence was injured, but they were displaced for the evening due to damage from the crash.

The male suspect was transported to Kent County Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The deceased operator of the vehicle has been identified as 50-year-old Derek Decosta of Pawtucket, RI.

As per policy, Rhode Island State Police and Attorney General’s Office were notified and responded to lead the investigation in conjunction with Coventry Police Department.