Providence man that sent police on chase charged with multiple gun offenses

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- A Providence man has been sentenced to serve 37 years after pleading to possessing an illegal handgun and leading police on a vehicle chase in 2020, according to Attorney General F. Neronha.

Justin Denson, 38, entered a plea of nolo contendere to charges of prohibited person carrying a pistol without a license, and eluding a law enforcement officer.

At a court hearing Wednesday, Denson was sentenced to 45 years in the ACI with 37 to serve, and the balance of the sentence to be suspended with probation.

On August 31, 2020, around 3:30a.m., an officer pulled over Denson traveling on I95 South for running through two stop signs and speeding before entering the highway.

Denson then took off and leading police on a vehicle chase through Pawtucket and into Providence, according to the AG’s Office.

The suspect then crashed into a guardrail and barriers on the Branch Avenue overpass.

Denson attempted to drive away, but was unable to due to damages from the crash.

Denson ended up being arrested by officers from the Pawtucket Police Department.

The AG’s Office says, an illegal handgun was seized from Denson’s vehicle by police, that was loaded with 12 live round and one live round in the camber.

Denson is considered a career criminal and has committed felony gun offenses in two separate cases.

“Under Rhode Island law, individuals convicted of crimes of violence are prohibited from possessing firearms. The defendant was previously convicted of felony assault and carrying a pistol without a license in 2010,” says officials.