Surveillance video shows altercation between Pelagio and Cranston police officer

July 25, 2017 6:52 pm

By Bianca Buono

bbuono@abc6.com

@BBuonoABC6

Cranston police have released a full report and surveillance video detailing what happened between the now suspended acting police chief in North Providence and an officer in Cranston. The video shows Christopher Pelagio getting into an argument with an unnamed Cranston police officer and witnesses say it was very obvious that Pelagio was the instigator.

In the police report, witnesses, many of whom are also Cranston police officers, describe Pelagio’s behavior as “erratic,” “embarrassing,” and “disgusting.”

The report stems from an altercation between Pelagio and a Cranston officer, whose name was taken out of the report, at a memorial at Cranston Police Headquarters honoring police officers killed in the line of duty.

Witnesses say it all started at the beginning of the ceremony. The Cranston officer was a member of the department’s honor guard and was holding the American flag at the front of the ceremony. Meanwhile, Pelagio sat in the crowd facing him.

According to multiple witnesses, Pelagio was giving him dirty looks and mouthing expletives. After the ceremony, you can see Pelagio walk up to the Cranston officer. In an interview with police, that officer says Pelagio was holding his phone as if he was recording him. He says Pelagio was trying to elicit a reaction by calling him names. At one point, he says Pelagio yells, “C’mon tough guy! Make a move! Hit me! C’mon!”

Finally, surveillance video shows another Cranston officer stepping in and the Cranston officer involved walks away. Pelagio eventually leaves as well.

According to the report, the two have had a poor relationship for around 20 years all because the Cranston officer is married to Pelagio’s high school girlfriend.

Cranston’s police chief Colonel Michael Winquist released the following statement:

“This investigation confirms that the confrontation was initiated by the officer from the visiting police department and that no Cranston Police Department personnel acted inappropriately. At no time was there any physical contact or actions that were determined to be criminal in nature.”

Cranston Mayor Allan Fung echoed Winquist’s remarks in a statement:

“I am satisfied with the outcome of this thorough investigation by one of our department’s top officers. I’m glad our officer did nothing inappropriate and the city is closing its investigation at this time.”

ABC6 spoke with North Providence Mayor Charlie Lombardi on Tuesday. He declined to comment on the report, surveillance video, or the Pelagio situation altogether.

Pelagio was suspended with pay on Friday.