Providence Police Lt. in Incident Caught on Video Had Been Sued for "Humiliating" Cavity Search

Providence Police Lt. in Incident Caught on Video Had Been Sued for "Humiliating" Cavity Search

One of the Providence Police officers identified in the video showing a suspect's head being hit against the pavement during an arrest over the July 4 weekend had been previously sued for a "humiliating" body cavity search. 

On Tuesday morning, GoLocalProv.com released a video showing two officers struggling with a suspect at the City of Providence fireworks event at India Point Park on July 3.

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On Tuesday night, police identified the suspect arrested as Armando Rivas, age 21.

Rivas is being charged with disorderly conduct; simple assault or battery; resisting legal or illegal arrest; and obstructing an officer in execution of duty. 

The police involved were identified as Lt. Matthew Jennette and Capt. Steve Gencarella. 

In 2013, the City of Providence agreed to pay a convicted drug dealer $18,000 to settle a lawsuit accusing Jennette of violating his rights by subjecting him to an illegal and "humiliating" cavity search in the presence of another officer.

“General Jones, 27, had sought unspecified damages in a lawsuit alleging that Officers Matthew Jennette and Eric Chabot violated his civil rights by performing an invasive search of his body without cause,” reported the Providence Journal. 

As GoLocal reported on Tuesday, Providence police confirmed they are conducting a use of force investigation; Jennette and Gencarella currently remain on the force with pay. 

 

Police Release Details

On Tuesday, Providence Police released the following of the July 3rd. 

Case Narrative

On 7.3.2022 at approximately 2130hrs. Car 10 LT Jennette was assigned to the Fireworks detail at India Point Park. During this time, the access road to Route 195West was at a standstill due to vehicles parking in the marked lane of travel. As such, LT Jennette was dispersing vehicles when police observed RI REG 803201 displayed on a black Jeep Cherokee parked unattended in the lane of travel. Police waited by the vehicle for approximately ten plus minutes awaiting the operator to return before deciding to tow the vehicle to assist in alleviating traffic. 

As police were arranging for the vehicle to be towed, a subject identified as Armando Rivas (7.10.2000) approached police and stated “what the fuck?” Rivas was informed that his vehicle was being towed due to being parked in the lane of travel at which point Rivas responded “fuck you n-----r” and ran around to the passenger side of the Jeep, gaining access into the front passenger side. Police responded around to the passenger side and instructed Rivas to exit the vehicle. Rivas refused and as LT Jennette stepped closer Rivas pushed LT Jennette’s arm away again yelling “fuck you n----r” among other long profanities. At this point, bystanders began to gather to observe Rivas’ behavior towards police. 

Rivas then ran back to the driver’s side and entered into the vehicle. He was informed he was under arrest and told to cease his actions and place his hands behind his back. As LT Jennette took hold of Rivas’ left arm he flailed wildly attempting to break free. CPT Gencarella, running to the scene, observed these actions and began to attempted to restrain Rivas who in turn began to flail, kick, and punch at both CPT Gencarella and LT Jennette. Rivas engaged these officers in a standing struggle. CPT Gencarella used a palm heel strike to the head of Rivas in an attempt to cease the struggle. While stunned, LT Jennette was able to handcuff Rivas’ right hand and utilize an arm bar take down technique. 

This caused both Rivas and CPT Gencarella to fall to the ground together. During this struggle Rivas continually attempted to reach towards his waistband area despite loud verbal commands to comply; this continued when he was on the ground. CPT Gencarella utilized a palm heel strike to the back of Rivas head; this, combined with LT Jennette forcibly removing Rivas’ left hand from his waistband was needed to place him into handcuffs. CPT Gencarella would later located and seize an “M TECH” serrated knife approximately 1.5 inches in length housed in a sheath designed to clip to the wearer’s waistband, clipped inside Rivas’ waistband. This was later placed into property. 

Rivas was transported to central station and processed without further incident; he was negative NCIC/local. Rivas was charged with Disorderly Conduct (11-45-1), two counts of Simple Assault (11-5-3), one count of Resisting Arrest (12-7-10), and one count of Obstructing an Officer in the Execution of his duty (11-32-1). He was held for the next session of 6th District Court. The vehicle, RI REG 803201 was found to be unregistered and was towed by K/B Towing. It should also be noted that the vehicle had a smashed front passenger window and matched the description of a vehicle involved in a disturbance earlier in the afternoon in the West End area of the city.