Three arrested on several charges, including felony assault on a police officer, after 30 ride ATV vehicles

Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Chief of the Cranston Police Department, announces three suspects are in custody for various criminal charges, including felony assault on a police officer, possession of ” crack” cocaine, reckless driving, and eluding a police officer in a high-speed pursuit.

On January 1, at approximately 3:54 p.m., a Cranston Police Officer was on patrol in a marked cruiser when he observed a group of approximately thirty motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles operating on Atwood Avenue in the City of Cranston.

According to police, the group of riders were driving recklessly by weaving in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed and failing to obey traffic signals at various intersections. One of the riders, operating a motorcycle with no registration plate, abruptly stopped and intentionally positioned her vehicle to block traffic on Atwood Avenue before dropping it into the middle of the road. The Officer stopped his cruiser and approached the driver on foot. The driver, later identified as Shyanne Boisvert, age 23, of 20 Hurdis Street (Apt. 19), North Providence, pushed the Officer, at which time he took her to the ground to place her in custody. Police stated that while the Officer was kneeling in the roadway to handcuff the suspect, several of the motorcycle and ATV operators began to circle him with their vehicles in a threatening manner. One of the riders operating an ATV revved his engine and lurched forward, intentionally striking the Officer by riding over the back of his legs. Another rider proceeded to smash out the rear window of the marked police cruiser. The license plate for Boisvert’s motorcycle was later found inside of her backpack.

The injured Officer was able to provide a description of the operator and vehicle that struck him. Responding Officers saw the suspect, later identified as Eduardo Rivera, age 33, of 20 Modena Drive, Warwick, RI, fleeing from the scene. Officers activated their overhead lights and sirens, but Rivera and other members of the group refused to stop with some vehicles abruptly traveling down different side streets.

Officers focused on apprehending Rivera, resulting in a pursuit that traversed through Johnston and Providence. While on Plainfield Pike at the intersection of Thornton Street in Johnston, the ATV being operated by Rivera contacted the side of a Cranston Police cruiser, causing the ATV to become disabled. Rivera abandoned his ATV and jumped on the rear of a second ATV operated by Kemoni Mitchell, age 22, of 93 Goddard Street (Apt. 2), Providence.

Officers pursued the ATV occupied by Mitchell and Rivera into the City of Providence. Mitchell lost control of the vehicle on Union Avenue at the Route 10 overpass and struck a passing car. Both Mitchell and Rivera attempted to flee on foot before being taken into custody. At the time of his arrest, Mitchell was found to be in possession of a quantity of suspected “crack” cocaine and marijuana.

The Officer who was struck by the ATV was transported by rescue personnel to Rhode Island Hospital, where he is being treated for his injuries, which do not appear serious. Three other Cranston Officers incurred minor injuries while pursuing Mitchell and Rivera on foot and taking them into custody. These injuries did not require medical treatment. Mitchell is being treated at Rhode Island Hospital for a laceration to his hand believed to have occurred when he scaled a fence while being pursued by the arresting Officers.

The three suspects were arraigned at Cranston Police Headquarters.

Eduardo Rivera was charged with Felony Assault, Reckless Driving/Eluding an Officer in High-Speed Pursuit, and Resisting Arrest.

Kemoni Mitchell was charged with Reckless Driving/Eluding an Officer in High-Speed Pursuit, Possession of a Schedule I/II controlled substance with the intent to deliver (crack cocaine), Resisting Arrest, Obstructing an Officer in Execution of Duty, and Disorderly Conduct.

Shyanne Boisvert was charged with Simple Assault, Reckless Driving, Resisting Arrest, and Disorderly Conduct.

All three suspects will also be cited for several motor vehicle violations. Mitchell will also be cited for Possession of Marijuana (less than an ounce).

Colonel Winquist stated, “This incident illustrates the dangers associated with the reckless and illegal operation of all-terrain vehicles on public roadways. This problem is occurring in many metropolitan cities across the country. Law enforcement cannot turn a blind eye and allow these operators to take over our city and town streets through intimidation and assaultive behavior. The brazen assault of a police officer is reprehensible, and those responsible are now facing serious criminal charges.”