NEWS

Man described as ‘suicidal’ shot dead after aiming rifle at police

By JOHN HOWELL
Posted 11/25/21

What started out as a call to check on the well-being of 49-year old Frank Nappa Jr. who was described as being suicidal ended up with the Nappa dying after three incidents where he appeared with a …

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NEWS

Man described as ‘suicidal’ shot dead after aiming rifle at police

Posted

What started out as a call to check on the well-being of 49-year old Frank Nappa Jr. who was described as being suicidal ended up with the Nappa dying after three incidents where he appeared with a loaded firearm.

Justin Martin, a Warwick officer shot Nappa as he advanced toward officers aiming the rifle at them according to a release issued by Police Chief Bradford Connor.

According to the release, officersresponded to the Lockwood Condominiums, 3524 West Shore Rd. Monday at 1038 p.m. after receiving a call from another location. The caller informed officers they were concerned for Alyssa Nappa safety as her husband was suicidal and had been drinking. Prior to arrival officers received information that the Nappa was armed with a loaded firearm.

According to the release, “Warwick Fire Department responded and staged as officers were able to safely remove the female from the residence. Officers established a perimeter outside of the condo unit and attempted to contact the male. A short time later the male exited the unit holding a rifle and pointed it towards officers and then retreated back into the unit. He repeated this a second time. On the third instance, the male advanced towards the officers while aiming the rifle in their direction and ignored repeated police commands to
drop his weapon.

“One officer discharged his firearm striking the suspect. Officers along with Warwick Fire personnel immediately rendered medical aid. The subject was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he was pronounced deceased at 11:31 p.m.”

In response to questions, Connor wrote in an email Wednesday that Martin has been placed on non-punitive administrative leave pending completion of an administrative review in accordance with the department’s Use of Force Policy. Martin has been an officer for
six years of which three and a half of those years have been with the
Warwick department.

Connor expected additional would be released following a visit of the condo Wednesday morning by Warwick Police and investigating agencies. Members of the Attorney General’s office and RI State Police are also investigating.

police, shooting

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