Rhode Island man facing list of charges after shooting himself during altercation at bar

Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Chief of the Cranston Police Department, has announced that a local man is facing multiple charges after a shooting at a local bar. 

On Saturday, at just after 11:15 p.m., Cranston uniformed officers were working a security detail at 39 West, located at 39 Phenix Avenue in Cranston when they heard a gunshot. The officers then observed two men fighting. Officers immediately separated both men and observed a handgun in the hand of one of the subjects identified as 28-year-old Michael Mancini of Cranston. Officers took Mancini to the ground as he refused to release his grip on the gun and violently resisted arrest. Officers were eventually able to subdue Mancini and seized the loaded handgun that contained a fifteen-round magazine.

At that time, officers discovered that Mancini had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his leg that was bleeding profusely. Officers immediately rendered emergency aid, including applying a tourniquet, until Cranston Fire and Rescue personnel responded to transport Mancini to Rhode Island Hospital. Mancini remains hospitalized and required surgery to address the significant injury to his leg. 

An investigation by the Criminal Investigations Unit revealed that Mancini had been involved in a verbal altercation with an individual at the bar. He later approached the man to continue the disagreement. The other man became aware that Mancini was armed and began wrestling with Mancini as Mancini removed the gun from his waistband. During the physical struggle, Mancini discharged one round striking himself in the leg.

Mancini was searched after his arrest and was found to be in possession of cocaine. He does not have a license or permit to carry a concealed weapon. 

Mancini will be arraigned at the hospital on the charges of Carrying a pistol without a license, Possession of a controlled substance (schedule I-cocaine), Firing in a compact area, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting arrest, Large capacity feeding device prohibited, and Carrying a weapon while under the influence of liquor or drugs.

Colonel Michael J. Winquist stated, “I am proud of the actions of all of the officers who immediately took action to physically restrain and remove a firearm from an individual who had just placed everyone at the venue in danger. The officers who rendered life-saving aid using their tactical medical training and equipment should also be commended. They likely saved the lives of innocent bystanders, as well as Mr. Mancini’s life.” 

Anyone that witnessed the incident or has video is asked to contact Detective Jon Nelson at 401-5150, or by anonymously by texting keyword CRANSTONPD with their tip to 847411.