Man who jumped off Washington Bridge arraigned in federal court
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- The man who jumped off the Washington Bridge after a traffic stop will face a federal court judge in Providence Friday.
Around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, an officer was conducting a traffic stop on Route 195 West before the passenger exited the vehicle and jumped off the bridge.
East Providence Police have identified the man as 28-year-old Joseph Darosa. Police have not said where Darosa is from, but confirmed that he was on probation out of California.
Police followed Darosa, who was in a Lyft, while conducting surveillance as a part of a special investigation.
Multiple units worked together as an extensive search lasted 50 minutes in the area, eventually Darosa was located, and rescued out of the water.
ABC6 News Crews found a search party of officers at the East Providence Yacht Club before the suspect was found, they advised crew members to remain in their car and leave the area.
Police confirmed that 15 guns were seized during their search, 5 of which were stolen out of Texas. This is the largest seizure of weapons East Providence police has had.
After being transported to the hospital, Darosa was taken into police custody. Darosa is expected to appear in court on Thursday afternoon.
Darosa faces 14 counts of possession of a firearm, as well as other charges.
Check back to ABC6 for the latest updates.
