Warwick Police release more details, names of those involved, in officer involved shooting in lobby

Police have released more details and the name of the man who was shot in an alleged knife attack on officers.

According to Warwick Police, on Friday, January 14, 2022, at 4:20 pm, a group of patrol officers were entering the main lobby of Police Headquarters from the community room after a briefing and were immediately confronted by a 29-year-old male who was holding a knife. The male charged at police officers striking Officer Jessica Masso in the torso. Her bullet proof vest stopped the knife, and she was not injured. Officers discharged their weapons striking the suspect causing him to take several steps back. He then charged at the officers a second time, still holding the knife, causing officers to again discharge their weapons.

The suspect then fell to the ground and ignored the officers’ repeated commands to drop the knife. The suspect attempted to get up and continued to point the knife at officers. Officers were then able to deploy a Taser causing the suspect to drop the knife and be taken into custody. Officers immediately rendered medical aid and summoned Warwick Rescue, who transported the suspect to RI Hospital.

The suspect is identified as 29-year-old Jacob Thomas of Warwick, who remains are RI Hospital recovering from injuries sustained in the shooting. Once released, he will be formally charged with Felony Assault.

The officers involved were Officer Jessica Masso (3 years), Officer Oliver Pinheiro (3 years), Officer Michael Bailey (3.5 years) and Sergeant Walter Larson (7 years).

Colonel Bradford E. Connor is thankful that the outcome wasn’t worse and for community support.

“We are extremely grateful that none of the brave men and women of the Warwick Police Department involved in this incident were seriously injured and grateful to the numerous members of law enforcement and the public who have expressed their support in the days following this unfortunate event.”

Members of the Attorney General’s Office, Rhode Island State Police, and the Warwick Police Department continue to investigate the incident. In accordance with WPD’s Use of Force policy, each of the officers involved has been placed on a non-punitive administrative leave pending completion of an administrative review.