Driver who struck officer is shot, faces felony charge

A Providence man is being held without bail, accused of hitting a Johnston police officer with his car over the weekend in a confrontation that resulted in the driver being shot. 

According to statements issued by the Johnston police, Damian Peterson, 28, of 502 Hartford Ave. in Providence, was shot Saturday after he reportedly struck a police officer with his car as police were responding to reports of a domestic disturbance at the Shell gas station at 1396 Hartford Ave.

Johnston Police Chief Mark Viera stated in a press release that Peterson was arraigned at Rhode Island Hospital on Sunday on charges of felony assault, assault of police officer, reckless driving and other offenses against public safety, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. He is being held with bail as a probation and bail violator, as police say he was already wanted on a state police warrant for obstructing an officer and reckless driving.

Viera said that the Johnston Police Department is investigating the officer-involved shooting in accordance with the state attorney general’s protocol for a review, and a joint investigation by members of the Attorney General’s Office, the Rhode Island State Police and the Johnston Police Department.

The officer who fired his service revolver has not been identified.

According to Viera, Johnston police responded to the Shell station at about 11:30 Saturday night after a third party called to report a possible fight between a man and a woman in the parking lot.

According to officers’ reports, Viera said, officers arriving at the scene saw a man seated alone in the driver’s seat of a white Nissan Sentra, with the car facing Hartford Avenue. As one of the officers exited his patrol car, the driver accelerated the Sentra and struck the officer with the vehicle, police said.

Viera said that the officer discharged his service weapon and fired multiple rounds at the driver. The car continued north across Hartford Avenue before stopping after hitting a pylon located in front of a business at 1369 Hartford Ave., he said.

Viera’s report states that officers immediately rendered medical aid to Peterson, whose identity they did not know at the time, and that he was taken by rescue to Rhode Island Hospital.

On Monday, Viera said that Peterson was being treated for a gunshot wound to the abdomen and is reported to be in stable condition. The officer struck by the vehicle sustained minor injuries and was also taken to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment and was subsequently released, Viera said.