NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A Rhode Island police officer who shot a man brandishing a realistic-looking replica handgun has been cleared of wrongdoing.
Attorney General Peter Neronha announced Tuesday that a statewide grand jury declined to indict North Providence Patrolman Mathieu Florio, saying his actions in the non-fatal shooting Dec. 9 were “legally justified.”
Florio had responded to reports of a man threatening to hurt himself.
Authorities say 32-year-old Richard Solitro got out of a car with the replica, refused commands to drop it, and pointed it at the officer, prompting Florio to fire several shots.
North Providence Police Chief Col. David Tikoian in a statement said “I supported the actions of this officer from the onset and respect the findings of the grand jury.”
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