Crime & Safety

Officers Used Pepper Spray Outside ER During Violent Struggle

Officers who used pepper spray to subdue a man violently resisting arrest at Landmark Medical Center's emergency room Friday waited till they were outside the building to employ the substance, according to a report and police spokeswoman.

Woonsocket Police Information Officer Det. Jamie Paone said the officers used the pepper spray once they were outside the ER's doors, a statement backed up by police reports on the incident.

On Sept. 13 at about 5:15 p.m., five officers responded to the hospital ER room to locate and arrest Terrell Paniss, 21, of 66 E. Main St., Milford, MA, wanted on a bench warrant for failing to appear in Sixth District Court. Paniss was also wanted in Massachusetts for failure to appear, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, breaking and entering, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, failing to stop, unlicensed operation of a vehicle, use of a motor vehicle in a felony, and escape from a police officer, according to  reports. 

The first two officers on the scene were Patrick Roy and Michael Voyer, according to Roy's report. They walked into the ER reception room, spotted Paniss, who tried to avoid them. The officers confronted Paniss, telling him he was under arrest, each grabbing an arm. Paniss broke both grips and ran, but the officers tackled him. Paniss continued to struggle violently, so much so that Roy's spare handcuffs, ID and badge came off his uniform, according to Roy's report.

Roy radioed for backup, and as the three reached the double glass doors of the ER, sprayed Paniss in the face with pepper spray, getting some on the outside of the doors. The spray had little affect on Paniss. 

Officers Timothy Greene, Michael Velino and Sgt. Matthew Richardson arrived at the hospital and assisted Roy and Voyer, getting Paniss to the parking lot before Roy tried the spray a second time, again with little effect. Together, the five officers were able to subdue Paniss.

Veliino noticed a black 3.25-inch knife on the ground near the struggling men, according to his report, and secured it after they'd restrained Paniss.

Greene reported a sharp pain in his wrist during the struggle, but did not seek treatment. Paniss was escorted back into the ER for treatment for the pepper spray and injuries from the struggle with officers. 

As Roy transported Paniss to WPD Headquarters at 242 Clinton St., he was apologetic for fighting with the officers, according to Roy's report. Paniss was charged with resisting arrest.    

The ER was shut down after the pepper spray got into the facility's ventilation, but it was opened again at about 7:15 p.m.  


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.