A quiet Sunday morning in Pawtucket turned tense when police were called to the area of Broad Street and Goff Avenue. Around 10:20 a.m., several people dialed 911 reporting a man waving a gun around. Witnesses say he was pointing it at himself and even at others walking by.
Officers arrived quickly. According to Police Chief Tina Goncalves, they spotted the man holding what looked like a firearm. With no time to figure out if it was real or fake, one officer fired, hitting the man in the shoulder.
The Gun’s Authenticity Still in Question
Some bystanders said the weapon had an orange tip, which is usually found on toy or airsoft guns. But in a fast-moving situation like this, officers are trained to react based on the immediate threat. “It’s a very difficult determination,” Chief Goncalves explained.
At this point, investigators are working to confirm whether the gun was capable of firing real bullets.
The Man Is Recovering
After the shooting, officers and paramedics gave the man first aid right on the street before rushing him to the hospital. Officials say his injuries are not life-threatening, and he’s expected to recover.
Neighbors who saw what happened said the man might be someone with special needs and that he lives nearby. One witness said, “He wasn’t moving at first, but when they were putting him in the stretcher, I saw him turn his head. That was a relief.”
What Happens Now
As with any officer-involved shooting in Rhode Island, the state’s Attorney General and the Rhode Island State Police are stepping in to lead an independent investigation. This helps make sure everything is looked at fairly, without bias.
The officer who fired the shot is now on administrative leave, which is standard practice. It’s not a punishment but a way to allow for a full review while keeping things transparent.
What People Are Saying
Neighbors and bystanders are still shaken. Some say they heard police yelling “Drop it!” before the shot rang out. Others are worried the man didn’t fully understand what was happening, especially if he had special needs.
There’s also been a lot of talk about how difficult it is for police to tell whether a gun is real in the heat of the moment. This incident brings up a serious debate about how officers handle mental health calls and situations involving replica weapons.
What’s Next in the Investigation
Police are reviewing all body camera footage and statements from officers and witnesses. They’re also waiting on test results to find out if the gun was real or just looked real. It’s not clear yet how long that process will take, but officials say they will continue updating the public as new information comes in.
A Community Looking for Answers
For many in Pawtucket, this shooting hits close to home. There’s a lot of concern about how officers make split-second decisions and whether better training or different tactics could help avoid situations like this in the future.
At the same time, some residents are grateful the man survived and hope he’ll get the help he needs.
This case is far from over, and people are watching closely to see how it plays out. There are still many unanswered questions—about the weapon, the man’s condition, and whether the officer followed all the right steps.
