Portsmouth standoff ends in a ‘peaceful surrender’

By: News Staff

news@abc6.com

Portsmouth, R.I. — Portsmouth police closed down Boyd Lane from the Mount Hope Bridge to Linda Avenue for the report of a male who had threatened two women with a firearm Sunday night.

Officials say a 46-year-old female reported that she had been contacted by the girlfriend of the suspect who was attempting to get her keys that were inside the suspect’s residence.

The 46-year-old female then tried to help the suspect’s girlfriend retrieve her keys when she was confronted by the suspect: 39-year-old James Lawrence.

Authorities say Lawrence was upset and intoxicated and allegedly obtained a firearm from his residence.

Lawrence then allegedly loaded the firearm and threatened his girlfriend, the 46-year-old female, and anyone who messed with him.

Officers from the Portsmouth Police attempted to make contact with Mr. Lawrence, but he would not answer the door and turned off all of the lights in the home.

Police tried to persuade Lawrence to surrender, but he was not cooperative. However, the state police tactical response team was able to achieve a peaceful surrender by Lawrence Monday morning.

Lawrence will be charged with felony assault with a dangerous weapon and will be arraigned Monday morning in Newport County District Court.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2016