Grand Jury Rules Woonsocket Police Justified In Pursuit Of Anthony Lescarbeau

A Statewide Grand Jury has concluded its investigation into the June 14 Woonsocket Police pursuit of Anthony Lescarbeau, 33, that resulted in his death, clearing the department of any wrongdoing.

Attorney General Peter Kilmartin's office and the RI State Police investigated the fatal crash caused when Lescarbeau fled Woonsocket Police during a traffic stop.

According to a release from the Attorney General's office, "The Statewide Grand Jury has determined that the actions by the Woonsocket Police officers complied with state law and determined that the actions of the officers were legally justified."

The incident was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police with the Office of Attorney General and Woonsocket Police Department and presented to the Grand Jury to promote integrity in the process and trust in the outcome.  "It is the responsibility of the Grand Jury to determine the facts, apply the law to those facts and to decide whether anyone may be charged with criminal wrongdoing," according to the release.

In making their determination, said Amy Kempe, Public Information Officer for the Attorney General's office, jurors referred to the RI law governing high-speed pursuits, RI 31-27-4.2.

A separate civil claim filed by attorney Ronald J. Resmini on behalf of the three minor children of Anthony Lescarbeau alleges Woonsocket Police acted on misinformation while pursuing Lescarbeau. 

Resmini said the minimum amount sought in such claims is $250,000. Woonsocket would bear that directly if it loses the suit — court records show the city's insurance carrier, Indian Harbor Insurance Company, has submitted a letter stating its coverage doesn't apply to the case, which the city has not contested. Indian Harbor has submitted a motion for summary judgement to that effect. A hearing on that motion has been scheduled for Jan. 23 at 10:30 a.m.