Burrillville, Providence bodycam videos in fatal police shooting of Michael Pinto after a pursuit
By: Providence police on Friday released body-worn camera footage of an officer-involved shooting that left a man dead last month.
Police said the shooting happened on Sept. 15 and that it stemmed from a pursuit that started in Burrillville and ended in Providence.
The footage shows the suspect, Michael Pinto, trying to escape from police — reversing a car he was driving outside Women and Infant’s Hospital on Dudley Street.
While in reverse, an officer was seen shooting multiple shots at the car, prompting it to come to a complete stop.
“Don’t [expletive] move!” officers are heard yelling at Pinto, 40. “Put it in park! Don’t [expletive] move!”
Officers were then seen pulling Pinto and his teenage daughter, who was the passenger, from the car.
The video also shows a woman trapped between the suspect’s car and a fence.
“We’ll help you, we’ll help you!” officers were heard saying. “Guys, get the car around, she’s pinned. Hey, look at me, look this way. I’ve got you, I’ve got you.”
An officer then jumped to the driver’s seat of the car to try to free the woman. The woman was able to get over the fence, where police aided her.
“Is she OK?” asked an officer. “Do you need a rescue?”
The officers then requested a second ambulance. The woman’s condition wasn’t immediately known.
Pinto was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he died. His daughter was also taken to the hospital for a gunshot wound to the leg.
In a statement Friday, Col. Oscar Perez said the investigation remains under investigation by Providence police, Rhode Island State Police, and the attorney general’s office.
Perez said two officers were placed on administrative leave.
“Further information will be provided in a timely manner upon completion of the investigation,” said Perez.