Eastbayri.com

PORTSMOUTH — State Police and the RI Attorney General’s office are investigating the death of a Tiverton man after a struggle with Portsmouth police who had attempted to subdue him.

Portsmouth Police say that Craig Raposa, 25, of 1 Mill St., Tiverton, was pronounced dead at Newport Hospital at around 12:45 a.m. Saturday after being rushed there by Portsmouth rescuers at 12:05 a.m.

In a statement issued Tuesday morning, Portsmouth Police Chief Lance Hebert said that the Fire Department received a 911 call from Mr. Raposa at 11:22 p.m. Friday asking that rescuers check on the well-being of his mother who lives at Almeida Terrace off West Main Road. Firefighters asked that a police officer also respond.

Rescue personnel arrived first and “found Mr. Raposa’s mother to be fine, but determined that Mr. Raposa, who was on scene himself, seemed to be experiencing psychological difficulties.”

Fire and police officers tried to persuade Mr. Raposa to allow rescuers to take him to the hospital for evaluation, the chief said.

“Initially, Mr. Raposa was cooperative and in agreement” but as he was escorted to the ambulance, “Mr. Raposa suddenly became combative and attempted to flee.

“The lone police officer on the scene attempted to restrain Mr. Raposa and a struggle ensued,” the press release continues. “Due to Mr. Raposa’s physical size and strength accompanied with him being combative, the police officer was forced to release an OC (pepper) spray in an attempt to subdue Mr. Raposa while trying to handcuff him.”

The pepper spray “had no apparent effect” and the struggle continued.

“At that time, Portsmouth Rescue personnel, a nearby civilian and Mr. Raposa’s mother then attempted to assist the officer in gaining control of him” but Mr. Raposa “continued to violently resist their efforts.”

Only after two more officers arrived was he finally restrained.

“Shortly thereafter, Mr. Raposa became unresponsive and was transported to Newport Hospital where he was pronounced dead.”

“Consistent with standard protocol,” Chief Hebert said that Portsmouth police immediately notified the Attorney General’s Office and State Police, who went to the scene and launched an investigation.

Interviewed later Tuesday, Chief Hebert said investigators think the initial 911 call by Mr. Raposa about his mother was a hoax, meant to get him into her apartment.

He said local police have had contact with Mr. Raposa in the past involving “mental health issues” and “being an unwanted party on two occasions.” He had not been arrested by Portsmouth police.