A late-night disturbance at a local bar escalated into an altercation involving a Providence firefighter and two police officers, resulting in his arrest. The incident, which unfolded at The Ave Bar and Grill on Hartford Avenue, occurred shortly before midnight, as reported by NBC Boston.
After reports of a man disrupting other patrons emerged, officers arrived on scene finding 42-year-old Patrick Brearley, a firefighter with the City of Providence, who appeared to be extremely intoxicated and disoriented, and despite initial efforts to assist him to leave and seek medical care he firmly resisted; according to police Brearley's behavior turned aggressive, leading to a physical confrontation where Brearley reportedly punched one officer in the face and hit another as they struggled to control and handcuff him.
Brearley faced charges of simple assault, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct after an incident with police. While no officers were seriously injured, the community has reacted. Janet Holmes of Smithfield said in an interview with WJAR, "We all have our problems but when you bring it out into the public like that other people get hurt, it's sad it really is."
Shevonne Pezzullo of Johnston said, "Being a firefighter, a police officer, its a very stressful job and you add alcohol into the mix of that and it makes things happen and it's unfortunate," commenting on the recent incident involving firefighter Brearley. Brearley, who remains an active firefighter, told NBC 10, "I can't believe this made the news" before ending the call. Neighbors reported hearing loud arguments at his home. Brearley is set to be arraigned on Friday.
