North Providence Police requested the assistance of Cranston Police Lt. Michael Pezzullo on July 13 in a standoff between police and Stephanie Drive resident Gino Rotondo in North Providence.

Major Todd Patalano said North Providence Police Chief Alfredo Ruggiero notified CPD and asked if they could assist because they had a barricaded individual who was armed with an AR-15 and was believed to still be armed with it. Patalano said that while North Providence Police spoke with Rotondo, 56, he requested wanting to speak with Pezzullo who is a relative and police officer.

Patalano authorized the order, adding that Pezzullo was trained to handle crisis situations and his connection to Rotondo was also helpful. Patalano, Pezzullo and Caption Gerard Carnevale then drove to the scene and were on site for 16 hours – leaving once Rotondo came out of his home and surrendered. CPD provided support and other types of resources to assist North Providence Police, who were handling all facets of investigation.

Rotondo took to Facebook, and threatened police while also posting about an alleged assault concerning his wife – Rachel Lombardi – and an acquaintance. He invited the acquaintance to the Stephanie Drive home and shot at him, which resulted in a call to police, followed by Rotondo barricading himself and Lombardi in the house.

Rotondo requested three hot weiners and a pizza from police and said he would come out after he received them. Once he was given the food, he did not come out. Around 4:30 a.m., police lost contact with Rotondo and Lombardi; it was before 9 a.m. on Thursday that Rotondo finally came out.

“The North Providence Police did a phenomenal and professional job bringing this to a peaceful resolution,” said Patalano, adding that they showed great leadership.

Patalano said police tend to deal with these incidents on occasion. Chief of Police Colonel Michael Winquist added that incidents involving neighboring communities can result in departments working hand in hand with one another.

Situations like these include talking to the individual and trying to calm them down while being honest in explaining the situation and assisting them in coming out peacefully so no one gets hurt.

Overall, Patalano said they were able to offer services to a peaceful resolution.

Rotondo was arraigned on July 18 and charged with Threat to a Public Official (felony), Possession of a Firearm (felony), Sale or Possession of Silencers (felony), Transmit Bomb Threats and Similar False Reports (felony), Obstructing an Officer in the Execution of Duty, (misdemeanor), Firing in a Compact Area (misdemeanor) and Disorderly Conduct (misdemeanor).