Police investigating officer-involved shooting in Cranston

December 20, 2017 4:15 pm

By: News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — The suspect in a drug bust that escalated into an officer-involved shooting in Cranston appeared in municipal court Wednesday night.

25-year-old Hazael Deleon was ordered held without bail, following a chaotic scene Wednesday morning in which an officer fired at the suspected drug dealer.

“It’s a last resort for an officer to have to use that level of force,” said Colonel Michael Winquist of the Cranston Police Department.

Police say a the drug dealer pulled into a driveway on Bain Street in this red car.

Then, when an officer tried to pull Deleon out and cuff him, he began backing out hitting that officer, a police cruiser, and another man standing in the driveway.

Police say Deleon nearly hit a second officer in the process. That officer shot at the suspect hitting him several times.

“The officer, fearing for his life, followed his training. Obviously that’s something the Attorney General’s Office, the State Police, and our detectives will review to make sure that he followed proper protocol and procedure,” said Colonel Michael Winquist of the Cranston Police Department.

Police are not yet releasing the names of the officers involved.

However, four people in total were injured in the chaos. Though ABC6 News was told everyone is doing okay.

“We’re very fortunate that somebody wasn’t killed here today. My first and foremost thoughts are the safety of our officers. Very fortunate that nobody was seriously injured as a result of this chaotic incident,” said Colonel Michael Winquist of the Cranston Police Department.

Police tell ABC6 the suspect has a lengthy criminal record and the area has a recent history of drug overdoses.