Sudden Death - Chapin Avenue

Sudden Death- Chapin Avenue

PROVIDENCE, RI- On February 24 at approximately 1:30pm Providence Police were called to respond to 73 Chapin Avenue for a report of a male subject screaming loudly inside a vehicle, which was not his, and refusing to exit the vehicle for the owner. When police arrived they observed a man seated behind the wheel of a Nissan Altima who was very upset and was incoherently screaming and stating that "the voices in the car are everywhere."

Patrol officers then requested further assistance from the Providence Fire Department for psychological medical attention. Fire personnel proceeded to evaluate the subject before further action was taken by police. After evaluation it was determined necessary to extricate the subject from the vehicle. Officers removed the subject from the vehicle by his wrists and forearms as he continued to yell incoherently and aggressively and remain non compliant. Upon removal from the vehicle police were able to place the subject in handcuffs. Soon after being handcuffed the subject began to vomit. Providence Fire Department personnel instantly reacted and the subject was immediately removed from his restraints and medical treatment began. The subject, identified as Noel Charriez, age 48, of Providence, was rushed to RI hospital.

It was later learned that the victim had been pronounced dead at Rhode Island Hospital of unknown causes. Today, February 25 an autopsy was conducted and found the victim to have no signs of trauma related to his death. The medical examiner's ruling determining the cause of death will not occur until toxicology results have been returned.

Following department procedure, on duty supervisors immediately notified the Providence Police Department Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) of this incident. Senior command staff members were contacted and per the RI Attorney General's Office protocol, members of the Attorney General's office and RI State Police were notified as well. Both the RI State Police and the Attorney General's office participated with members of the Providence Police Department OPR and began and immediate review of what transpired. That review and investigation continues at this time.