Tiverton man who robbed a man, attempted to stab Fall River police, paramedics, sentenced to prison

A 26-year-old Tiverton RI man who robbed a man outside of a Cannabis dispensary and then attempted to stab multiple police officers and a paramedic was sentenced last week to serve 6 to 10 years in state prison, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn announced.

Dillon Nobles pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to indictments charging him with four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count each of armed assault with intent to murder, armed assault with intent to rob and resisting arrest. The indictments all arise from a series of episodes in Fall River on the afternoon of January 24, 2022.

At the Nature’s Medicine Cannabis dispensary, Nobles entered the store with his mother. Due to his intoxication, he was asked to wait outside. Outside, he encountered a male victim. The victim had no identification to purchase marijuana, so he gave the defendant $30 to make a purchase on his behalf. Nobles briefly went inside and then exited the store and was approached by the victim. Nobles produced no marijuana and when confronted, brandished a folding knife and threatened the victim with it.

A short time later, Fall River Paramedics and Police responded to the SRTA terminal, SRTA bus 2003 for a report of an unresponsive passenger, later identified as Nobles. Once finally roused, he was defiant and refused treatment. Officer Jonathan Souza eventually deescalated Nobles and convinced him to go to the hospital. While walking to the stretcher, Nobles became agitated and threatened a paramedic. He then brandished the knife again and approached the paramedic. Police intervened at which time Nobles also slashed at the neck/torso area of Officer Souza. He then fled on foot along 5th Street with officers trailing behind him.

Another officer joined the pursuit and stationed himself on foot ahead of Nobles at the corner of Rodman and 5^th streets. That officer attempted to subdue him, as the area was crowded with students and pedestrians. The officer grabbed Nobles’ left arm but did not get a good hold of his right arm. Nobles was able to brandish the knife with his right hand and violently attempted to stab the officer in the neck, coming within inches. Another nearby officer was able to grab Nobles’ arm and hold it at bay until additional officers arrived, removed the knife, and ultimately tased the defendant.

During a sentencing hearing before Judge Brian Glenny, Assistant District Attorney Russ Eonas argued for a 12 to 15 years state prison sentence, while the defense requested a three to five year state prison term.

“The defendant assaulted a paramedic and a police officer who was merely checking on his wellbeing. After fleeing, he tried to stab another officer in the neck.  Fortunately he was subdued. This was all done in broad daylight, with a number of citizens around,” District Attorney Quinn said. “This case highlights the danger that police officers face when they encounter armed and violent individuals during the course of performing their duties. These confrontations can lead to death or serious injury of officers. The police should be commended for using remarkable restraint in subduing the defendant. He clearly is a danger to the community and needs to be kept off the street.”