Southern New England family looking for answers as man with local ties reportedly shot at 46 times before death

A local family is looking for answers and the public’s help after they say their loved one, who has ties to Rhode Island and Somerset, was shot at 46 times including a bullet that went through his brain.

According to NBC 10 Florida, deputies with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office received a call shortly before 11:00 p.m. on January 10th regarding an in-progress crime in the area of 600 Briny Avenue in Pompano Beach.

A Sheriff spokesperson stated that when they responded to the scene, Bristol, Rhode Island native 37-year-old Joseph Francis physically attacked a deputy before pulling out a gun.

Authorities confirmed that a weapon was recovered at the scene.

A week later, Francis succumbed to his injuries and was removed from life support.

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser which is raising money for funeral expenses and investigative fees, Francis was shot at 46 times and was hit 9 times in what his family and friends believe was an incident that did not have to result in his death.

Family members say that he “could be heard shouting to the officers, “OK! YOU GOT ME!” as multiple shots continued.”

Those who knew Francis are remembering him as a war veteran who fought for his country, but was also kind and loving.

“Those who knew Joseph knew the size of his heart, his intelligence, his great love for his family and friends, and of course-his huge strong hugs. To Joseph’s family and friends he was our superhero.”

His loved ones feel that he had no ill intentions toward the officers.

“We are seeking out that truth be provided, that Joseph had absolutly no intentions of violence towards these officers, that Joseph did not brandish a weapon, giving police reason to repeatedly shoot at him forty-six times, and hit him nine times.”

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting.