Prov PD launches police brutality probe

PROVIDENCE, R .I. (WPRI) - Providence police are currently looking into one of their own in a police brutality investigation. The Target 12 Investigators have obtained the surveillance tape at the center of the probe.

The investigation stems from an incident on Oct. 20. According to a police report, officers were chasing Luis Mendonca, 20, as part of a breaking and entering investigation.

Surveillance video captured by cameras behind a Benefit St. apartment building showed Mendonca trying to hide under one car, then another. A struggle ensued with several Providence police and RISD campus officers.

Eventually Mendonca's hands were placed behind his back in handcuffs, according to his attorney.

But then the video showed Mendonca being dragged. A Police detective walked up, kicked Mendonca, struck him several times with a flashlight, then kicked him one last time before Mendonca was hauled away.

The video then showed Mendonca, who was limp, being dragged up the stairs.

According to the police report, an ambulance was called and Mendonca was taken to Rhode Island Hospital.

Target 12 has learned the officer shown striking Mendonca is Detective Robert DeCarlo.

Providence police said Det. DeCarlo is still working, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Providence police obtained the surveillance video during their own internal investigation. However, the police report of the incident made no mention of the violence. It simply stated, "subject was placed in restraints. Rescue 3 arrived at the scene."

The report also said Mendonca was charged with assault and battery for his tussle with two RISD officers during the chase.

Mendonca's attorney, Alberto Aponte Cordona, said his client was in a coma for two days and his head was stapled back together. He filed a police brutality complaint against Det. DeCarlo last month.

Cordona said his client is now at the Adult Correctional Institutions awaiting the outcome of the assault charge.

Providence police have confirmed they are investigating the incident.

A statement from Providence's chief of police, Col Dean Esserman, reads in part:

"In accordance with department policy, an internal use-of-force investigation was initiated by a supervisor on the night of the incident in question. Providence police investigators subsequently interviewed officers and potential witnesses and retrieved a surveillance video that captured the incident. The department interviewed Mr. Mendonca before a complaint was initiated."

The Attorney General's Office confirmed Providence police came to the AG's office nearly a month after the incident.

Prosecutors were supplied with all the material related to the arrest, including the surveillance video.

Mendonca is due in court Friday to face the assault charge.

Cordona said he and his client take issue with the fact that Mendonca was interviewed by Internal Affairs Inspector Frank Colon. Later, he said they learned Colon's son was one of the officers on the scene.

However, Providence police said that's inaccurate, saying the younger Colon arrived on scene after Mendonca was transported.