Bodycam footage shows how suspect ended up in Providence River

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Police body-worn camera video provides a firsthand look at a chaotic scene that ended with a suspect in the Providence River after running from officers.

According to a July 26 police report, two Providence officers were patrolling Waterplace Park that night due to “numerous recent complaints of drug use and sexual activity.”

Police say they turned a corner in a secluded area of the park “known to police for high drug use” when they found a man and a woman they alleged were “manipulating clear glass crack pipes and open needles.” The pair tried to hide the items when they noticed police, according to the report.

“What are you guys up to?” the female officer is heard asking on video.

The woman told police they were smoking. A male officer asked the man, identified as Silas Dobson, 38, to step down from the bench.

The woman informed police they had crack cocaine, and said she was smoking it “for her cancer.”

The woman cooperated with the police search, warning officers she had an “open” knife in her pocket.

But Dobson was combative after police Police said they found a dollar bill rolled up inside Dobson’s sock and suspected that’s where he was hiding cocaine.

“I don’t want him to steal my [expletive] money,” he said. “I got robbed yesterday!”

“We’re not going to rob you,” the female officer is heard saying on camera.

A portion of the video went silent, which police said they muted, citing privacy interests. Video showed police struggled to keep Dobson in custody, and he eventually slipped away.

The female officer chased after Dobson, and was able to use pepper spray him before he climbed over the railing next to the river.

“What the [expletive] is your problem?” Dobson asked the officer.

“You’re the one who has the problem!” the female officer replied.

The officer tried to talk with Dobson, but he refused to cooperate. Video showed Dobson got out of his shirt, so the officer grabbed him by the drawstring of his shorts. She tried to hang on, but eventually Dobson fell into the river and swam away.

Video showed the officer sustained a minor injury to her hand as a result of the tussle with Dobson.

More officers arrived on scene and tracked Dobson in the river, but they eventually lost him.

A short time later police found Dobson in the roof of one of the river tunnels. He was placed under arrest for drug possession, resisting arrest and obstructing an officer.

Court records show Dobson has not been formally arraigned, so no plea has been entered. He was released on personal recognizance and is set to face a judge next month.

Alexandra Leslie ( aleslie@wpri.com ) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook .

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