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and there it is....
Rally for victim of officer-involved moped crash devolves into chaos; several arrested
PROVIDENCE
by: Sarah Doiron
Posted: Oct 20, 2020 11:34 PM EDT
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) ─ The revving of ATVs and dirt bikes could be heard throughout the South Side of Providence Tuesday evening as hundreds of people gathered to demand justice for the victim in an officer-involved moped crash from over the weekend.
The rally was organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation, which is calling for an independent investigation into the incident.
“We demand an independent investigation because the police can’t be trusted to investigate themselves,” Party for Socialism and Liberation member Nino Brown said.
Gonsalves was rushed to the hospital in critical condition Sunday night immediately following the crash, which occurred as officers were attempting to reel in hundreds of off-road vehicles that took to the city streets.
The officer involved, identified by police as Kyle Endres, appeared to be following Gonsalves down Elmwood Avenue prior to the crash. Cell phone video from a witness shows Gonsalves take an abrupt right turn before losing control of his moped and slamming into a building.
It’s still unclear at this time whether Endres actually hit Gonsalves before he crashed.
Police radio calls reveal chaos leading up to Providence moped crash
Endres, a six-year veteran of the force, has since been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of an investigation, which is being primarily conducted by the Providence Police Department.
On Tuesday, Mayor Jorge Elorza promised a thorough investigation.
“We are fully committed to making sure we have a transparent and complete investigation,” Elorza said.
Those who attended the rally ultimately mobilized and began marching down Elmwood Avenue. Smoke filled the air as bikers revved their engines in support of Gonsalves, whose fiancé tells 12 News has a passion for Motocross.
Chris Perry, Gonsalves’ older brother, said their family is not only asking for justice, but for change.
“He’s a hardworking, good kid and he didn’t deserve it,” Perry said. “I just want justice for my brother. I want him to wake up, and I don’t know if he’s going to wake up.”
The group made their way through the city and ended up outside the Providence Public Safety Complex, where they were met by a metal barricade and dozens of officers in riot gear.
calling for justice and change
if he was riding legally and wearing a helmet this wouldn't be a story...riding circles around police cars taunting them and then evading them for blocks is a choice that.... if you decide to make...might land you in the hospital...
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