PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A man is facing charges after a crash involving Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez led to a confrontation Friday afternoon, according to the Providence Police Department.
Police say the incident happened shortly after 1 p.m. on Broadway when Perez was driving an unmarked police vehicle and stopped for a pedestrian. Investigators say the vehicle was then struck from behind by a white Nissan Altima.
Driver approached vehicle after crash
According to the police report, the driver of the Altima, identified as Jonathan Galdamez, got out of his vehicle and walked toward the chief’s car in what officers described as an aggressive manner.
Perez, who was in uniform, identified himself as a police officer as the two began a verbal exchange.
Police say Galdamez blocked traffic during the confrontation and made several threats toward the chief while Perez attempted to calm the situation.
Video shows confrontation before arrest
Video of the incident later circulated on social media and shows Galdamez gesturing toward Perez and pointing toward the chief’s head several times.
The video shows Perez directing the man to place his hands on his head while the chief called for additional officers over the radio.
Several police vehicles soon arrived at the scene. Officers then detained Galdamez, placed him in handcuffs, and searched him before putting him into a cruiser.
Suspect allegedly made threats after arrest
Police say that after he was taken into custody, Galdamez acknowledged he knew Perez’s identity and began making threats toward the chief and members of his family.
Investigators say Galdamez told officers he was angry because the police chief had denied him parole on multiple occasions.
Charges filed following incident
According to police, Galdamez now faces charges of disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor, and threatening a public official, which is a felony.
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