Police arrest armed East Providence man after violent struggle with police, asking officers to shoot him

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – East Providence police have charged a 40-year-old city resident with numerous firearms charges, a domestic violence charge, and resisting arrest after officers responded to a domestic disturbance at his residence.

Officers were called to the residence after a family member called police. Upon the officer’s arrival, they contacted Herlin Perry in an upstairs bedroom. Perry was holding a firearm and pleaded with officers to shoot him and refused to comply with the officer’s commands to drop the gun. The officers eventually retrieved the semi-automatic pistol. 

A violent struggle ensued with Perry for several minutes. During the struggle, arresting officers observed several large capacity magazines strewn about the room. Once Perry was in custody, officers determined that the pistol retrieved from Perry was loaded. A loaded AR-15 sporting rifle was also located within arm’s reach of Perry. Several loaded, large capacity magazines were lined up on an adjacent armchair. 

No officers were injured during the struggle.

Perry was transported to the police station for booking and later transported to the hospital following further remarks to harm himself.

Police stated that the responding officers used a great amount of restraint and professionalism in this extremely volatile incident and that it undoubtably prevented serious injuries or death to not only the officers and Perry, but also witnesses on scene. 

Chief Christopher Francesconi stated, “This was a very dangerous and volatile situation. If not for my officer’s efforts to deescalate, this could have ended much differently. I commend the officers for their actions during this violent situation, which thankfully led to no injuries to them, Mr. Perry or other’s present in the residence.” 

Perry was eventually arraigned at 6th District Court on the charges of Domestic Violence – Disorderly Conduct, Large Capacity Feeding Devices Prohibited (4 counts), Carrying a Weapon While Intoxicated, and Resisting Arrest.