Lindsey
Lindsey
MacDonald
Chief of Police
1075 Main Street Coventry, Rhode Island 02816-1690
Telephone: (401) 826-1100 Fax: (401) 822-6221
www.coventrypd.org
Coventry, RI – On August 27, 2018 shortly after 7 AM the Coventry Police Department was
notified of a police officer involved shooting involving Attleboro Police Officers and Eric
Lindsey, 41 years old, of 80 Station Street, Coventry. The information received from the
Attleboro Police Department led investigators to execute a court authorized search warrant at
80 Station Street, Coventry. The Coventry Police Department is currently conducting a
criminal investigation into the actions of Lindsey over the last several weeks based upon
information uncovered during the execution of the search warrant which was obtained after
the police involved shooting in Attleboro. Detectives from the Coventry Police Department
are working jointly with investigators from the Attleboro Police Department and the
Massachusetts State Police.
Lindsey is known to the Coventry Police Department for violent altercations that have led to
his arrest. Due to multiple media requests, attached to this release are three arrest reports
from the Coventry Police Department from the last two years in which Lindsey was arrested.
The first arrest took place in October 2017 for a DUI where guns were seized, a second
incident occurred in which Lindsey attempted to take a Coventry Police Officer’s gun in
January 2018, and a third arrest arose in August 2018 in which Lindsey fought with several
police officers. Mugshots of Lindsey are also attached.
The Coventry Police Department will be unavailable for additional comment until the
conclusion of the criminal investigation. Any information regarding the officer involved
shooting in Attleboro, MA should be directed to the Attleboro Police Department.
Eric Lindsey Mugshots
Courtesy of Coventry Police Department (RI)
Mugshots obtained from arrest and booking records 2017-2018
Coventry Police Department Page: 1
Arrest Report 08/28/2018
Arrest #: 17-1041-AR
Call #: 17-23084
Signature: ______________________________
Released: 10/14/2017 @ 0030
Signature: ______________________________
1 LINDSEY, ERIC S M 40
80 STATION ST
COVENTRY RI 02816
EMPLOYER: ·
Coventry Police Department Page: 1
NARRATIVE FOR OFF BRANDON R SULLIVAN
Ref: 17-1041-AR
Entered: 10/15/2017 @ 0354 Entry ID: BRS
Modified: 10/19/2017 @ 0120 Modified ID: JJP
Approved: 10/19/2017 @ 0151 Approval ID: JJP
Narrative:
On 10/13/17 at 1707 hours, I responded with additional units to Brewmaster's Sports Bar (1152 Main St.,
Coventry, RI, 02816) for a heavily intoxicated male refusing to leave. Upon arrival, I made contact with Eric
Lindsey who showed obvious signs of impairment. It was also learned through DMV checks that Eric had a
suspended license. The situation was eventually mediated and at 1729 hours, Det. MacCoy gave Eric a ride home to
his residence at 80 Station St., Coventry, RI 02816.
On 10/13/17 at 1740 hours, I was traveling westbound on Main St. just passed Station St., when a gold Buick
bearing RI registration P-22 passed me eastbound. I observed the operator to be Eric Lindsey, the male I made
contact with 11 minutes earlier at Brewmaster's Sports Bar for being heavily intoxicated and refusing to leave. I
turned around, activated my emergency lights and sirens and attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop on the
Buick. Eric then took a left onto Station St. and I continued after him. Several different changes between sirens and
airhorns to get Eric to stop were unsuccessful as he continued to drive northbound and wave me off in his rear view
mirror. He then pulled into his driveway a short way up the road (80 Station St.) and I pulled in behind and
conducted a motor vehicle stop. At this time, I called for additional units to head to my location.
As I approached the vehicle, Eric began to exit the vehicle and I advised him to stay inside the car. Eric
replied in a slurred speech with his feet out of the door, "I was just trying to grab my guns man!" At this time due to
the fact that I did not know if he had any weapons in the vehicle, I grabbed Eric's arms and pulled him out of the
vehicle. I escorted Eric to the front of his vehicle and placed him in handcuffs until I could further investigate the
situation. A pat down of Eric for weapons was negative. While in conversation, a heavy odor of alcoholic beverages
was eminating from his breath. Eric continued to state in a slurred manner that he didn't want his guns to be left in
his vehicle that he parked across the street from the bar. At this time Det. MacCoy arrived on scene to assist me.
Eric advised us that his weapons were located in his trunk and Det. MacCoy successfully located a locked
case which Eric advised he had firearms in. I then turned Eric around to face me and while he was still in handcuffs,
I requested that Eric participate in a series of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. While Eric was facing me, I was
able to observe his eyes to be extremely blood shot and watery. Eric stated he refused to take any sobriety test.
Arrest:
At 1746 hours, I advised Eric he was under arrest for suspicion of DUI. I escorted him to my patrol vehicle
#85, searched him and secured Eric in the rear of my patrol vehicle. At 1750 hours, Eric was read his Rights For
Use At Scene from a pre-printed card, which was witnessed by Det. MacCoy. At 1753 hours, I began transport of
Eric to Hq's.
While I completed transport of Eric, Det. MacCoy stayed on scene and seized the gun case for safe keeping
(refer to his narrative).
DVD Recording:
Upon arrival to Hq's at 1755 hours, I escorted Eric into the A&B room where a DVD recording began. At the
completion of the testing process, the DVD recording was logged in as evidence (17-1121-PR) and secured in
Coventry Police Department Page: 2
NARRATIVE FOR OFF BRANDON R SULLIVAN
Ref: 17-1041-AR
Entered: 10/15/2017 @ 0354 Entry ID: BRS
Modified: 10/19/2017 @ 0120 Modified ID: JJP
Approved: 10/19/2017 @ 0151 Approval ID: JJP
Telephone:
At 1812 hours, Eric made a confidential phone call. It should be noted that the DVD recording was stopped
during the phone call and was continued upon its completion.
Breathalyzer Testing:
At 1817 hours, Eric was requested to submit to a chemical test and he stated he would agree. Eric signed the
rights form under the circled word, "Agree," which he circled himself.
At 1845 hours, Eric provided his first sample with a result of .275.
At 1849 hours, Eric provided his second sample with a result of .282.
It should be noted, during the observation period, Eric in free speech stated, "You guys know I'm hammered. I
had guns in the car and I just wanted to get them home."
Testing Results:
On 10/14/17 at 0107 hours, a certified true copy of the testing results were mailed to Eric Lindsey, 80 Station
St., Coventry, RI 02816, from the postal box across the street from Hq's. This was witnessed by Sgt. Poccia.
Booking:
I completed an A&B report, finger printed, and photographed Eric without incident.
Summons:
Eric was issued a District Court summons for 31-27-2D1 DUI of Liquor or Drugs - 1st Offense .15/Greater
with a pending court date of 10/25/17 at 0900 hours. Eric was also issued a District Court summons for 31-11-18
Driving with Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled License - 1st Offense with a pending court date of 10/25/17 at 0900
hours.
Coventry Police Department Page: 3
NARRATIVE FOR OFF BRANDON R SULLIVAN
Ref: 17-1041-AR
Entered: 10/15/2017 @ 0354 Entry ID: BRS
Modified: 10/19/2017 @ 0120 Modified ID: JJP
Approved: 10/19/2017 @ 0151 Approval ID: JJP
Additional Information:
While on scene, Det. MacCoy contacted Capt. Hennessy on whether to charge Eric with Possession of a
Firearm while Intoxicated. It was decided not to charge him with it and rather seize his weapons for safe keeping.
17-1041-AR
10/13/2017
1707 hrs
Off. Sullivan, Off. Bruno and I responded to Brewmasters Sports Bar, 1152 Main St., Coventry for a reported
intoxicated male customer who was causing a disturbance and was refusing to leave.
Upon my arrival, I spoke with the caller, bartender Shantel Mello. Shantel stated that a patron at the bar by the
name of “Eric” was extremely intoxicated and refusing to leave the bar. She further stated that she had taken Eric’s
keys so he could not operate his motor vehicle. Shantel stated that Eric became enraged that she had his keys and
stated that a key to his gun locker was on the key ring. Eric further stated to Shantel that he “had to take care of
business” while referring to his guns. At this time, Shantel handed me the keys to Eric’s vehicle along with other
assorted keys.
After speaking with Shantel, I approached Eric who was standing near the bar talking on his cellphone inside the
establishment. I asked Eric to speak with me outside and he did as requested. I asked Eric for his full name and
date of birth and he stated, "Eric Lindsey (DOB 06/22/1977)". I asked Eric why he was refusing to leave. Eric
stated that he was intoxicated and had given his keys along with keys to his gun safe to Shantel who would not let
him drive his vehicle. I asked Eric if he had any weapons on him and he stated that he did not. I asked him what he
meant when he told Shantel that he “had to take care of business.” Eric stated that he did not make that comment
and that Shantel was lying.
While speaking with Eric, I noted a strong odor associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverages coming
from his breath. I also noted that his face was flush and his eyes were extremely watery, and bloodshot. I had
dispatch conduct NCIC/RILETS/MVD checks of Eric. NCIC/RILETS were negative and MVD checks showed that
Eric had a suspended RI driver’s license (#9917146).
After completing my checks, I advised Eric that I would transport him home to his residence at 80 Station St. Eric
became argumentative stating that he would walk home and that he wanted the keys to his house and vehicle. I
advised Eric that I had his keys and would give them to him when I dropped him off at his residence. Eric agreed
and I escorted him to my patrol vehicle, conducted a pat down of him and transported him to his residence, 80
Station St., Coventry.
Upon our arrival at Eric’s residence, I observed Eric enter his house and shut the door. I then cleared without
further incident.
1740 hrs
Off. Sullivan advised via radio that he was attempting to stop Eric in his vehicle, a gold Buick bearing RI
registration (VA) P-22 on Main St., at the intersection of Station St. Off. Sullivan advised that Eric was refusing to
stop the vehicle and Off. Sullivan continued to follow Eric with his lights and sirens activated. At this time, I began
making my way to Off. Sullivan’s location to assist him. Off. Sullivan advised that Eric had stopped his vehicle in
the driveway of his residence, 80 Station St. At this time, I arrived on scene to assist Off. Sullivan. Off. Sullivan
had Eric out of the vehicle and in handcuffs behind his back. Off. Sullivan advised that Eric had informed him that
Coventry Police Department Page: 2
NARRATIVE FOR DET GRAHAM B MACCOY
Ref: 17-1041-AR
Entered: 10/16/2017 @ 1037 Entry ID: GBM
Modified: 10/16/2017 @ 1224 Modified ID: KPN
Approved: 10/16/2017 @ 1224 Approval ID: KPN
he (Eric) had guns in his vehicle and had placed him in handcuffs for his safety. Off. Sullivan conducted a pat
down of Eric which was negative for any weapons. I asked Eric where the firearms were and he stated that they
were in the trunk of the vehicle in a locked gun safe. I asked Eric what kind of firearms he had and he stated an
AR-15, .22 caliber pistol, .40 caliber pistol, and a 9MM pistol. I asked Eric if he any additional weapons in the
vehicle and he stated that he did not and advised that I could look in his vehicle.
Throughout my questioning of Eric, I again noted a strong odor associated with the consumption of alcoholic
beverages coming from his breath. I also again noted that his face was flush and his eyes were extremely watery,
and bloodshot. Off. Sullivan asked Eric if he would submit to a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) but Eric
refused.
At this time, Off. Sullivan advised that he was under arrest for suspicious of DUI and escorted Eric to his patrol
vehicle. Off. Sullivan searched Eric and secured him in the rear of his patrol vehicle where he read Eric his Rights
For Use at Scene. After Off. Sullivan read Eric his Rights; I began searching the vehicle and located a large
Winchester gun case, locked, in the trunk of Eric’s vehicle. I seized the gun case for safekeeping and searched the
remainder of the vehicle for any additional firearms but had negative results. The vehicle was then secured in Eric’s
driveway and Off. Sullivan and transported Eric to HQ’s. I also cleared the scene and responded to HQ’s with the
Winchester gun case.
Upon my arrival at HQ’s, I conducted an inventory of the gun case by unlocking the gun case with a key on Eric’s
key ring. I located the following firearms in the gun case:
1. Walther .22 caliber pistol (serial #Z046969) color pink and silver with two (2) magazines (17-1116-PR)
2. Stag Arms AR-15 rifle (serial #187358) color black with one (1) magazine (17-1117-PR)
3. Ruger .40 caliber pistol (serial #343-32817) color black with one (1) magazine (17-1118-PR).
4. Smith and Wesson 9MM (serial #SW9VE) color black with two (2) magazines (17-1119-PR)
I conducted NCIC checks of all of the firearms which were negative. I photographed all firearms and entered them
to include the gun case in evidence. (See attached photographs).
CONCLUSION
Refer to Off. Sullivan’s narrative for further information.
Forward to Legal Division.
** Portions of this report have been redacted **
Coventry Police Department Page: 1
Summons Report 08/28/2018
Summons #: 18-38-AR
Call #: 18-960
Signature: ______________________________
Signature: ______________________________
1 LINDSEY, ERIC S M 40
80 STATION ST
COVENTRY RI 02816
Summons #: 18-38-AR
Call #: 18-960
EMPLOYER: ·
EMPLOYER: ·
Coventry Police Department Page: 1
NARRATIVE FOR OFF JOHNATHON S NICKERSON
Ref: 18-38-AR
Entered: 01/14/2018 @ 2323 Entry ID: JSN
Modified: 01/15/2018 @ 2113 Modified ID: DKN
Approved: 01/15/2018 @ 2120 Approval ID: DKN
Narrative:
On 1/14/18 at 1830 Hrs. Off. Guilmette, Off. Huston and I were dispatched to 80 Station St. to assist rescue
with a combative intoxicated male.
Upon arrival, I entered the residence, which was a second floor apartment of a two family home, followed by
more rescue personnel. I located Stephen Mann (Anthony Fire Dept.) and Robert Carlow (Anthony Fire Dept.)
attempting to lift a male, later identified as Eric Lindsey, off of the kitchen floor and on to a rescue chair. Lindsey
kept shouting "get me outside!" Lindsey was actively struggling with them and not cooperating, refusing to get onto
the chair.
Mann advised me that Lindsey was highly intoxicated and vomiting when they arrived and that they had been
called there because he was having difficulty breathing possibly a panic/anxiety attack. Mann stated that Lindsey
had mixed his prescription medication, at least one of his medications being Atavan/Lorazepam which has a
warning not to consume with alcohol, with an unknown amount of vodka. Lidsey also advised Mann that he had
Multiple Sclerosis. Mann further advised that Lindsey had kicked him in the leg forcing him to fall backwards.
One of the rescue personnel pointed out an empty bottle of vodka in the trash and that Meaney stated he was
drinking beer.
While on the floor Lindsey continued shouting and reached out and aggressively grabbed the calling party,
Krystin Meaney, by the leg. I then told Meaney to back out of the room and I picked up Lindsey under his left
armpit and his left wrist and placed him onto the rescue chair. He began flailing his arms around and tried to get
out of the chair, so I continued to hold his left arm. Off Huston grabbed his right arm while I held his left arm and
rescue personnel attempted to strap him into the chair.
I advised Lindsey due to his erratic behavior, consumption of an unknown amount of alcohol mixed with his
medications, the vomiting and his inability to catch his breath he would have to go to the hospital. He kept shouting
and trying to pull his arms away stating that he was not going to the hospital. I advised him that I was placing him
into protective custody and that he did not have a choice. He continued to try and pull away from my grasp. Mann
and Carlow then stated that they would like him on the ground to administer medication with a shot. I asked
Lindsey to get on the floor and he continued to try and pull from my grasp. Off. Huston and I then picked him up
by his armpits and placed him on the kitchen floor on his stomach. I then placed my knee in the middle of his back
in order to hold him down and place him into handcuffs. Once he was in handcuffs he was turned on his side and
rescue administered two shots in his right shoulder.
Lindsey was shouting "I need fresh air!" I asked one of the rescue personnel to open a porch door which was
only a few feet away to allow fresh air into the residence, which they did. I then sat Lindsey up and allowed him to
catch his breath. He began spitting up on the kitchen floor. Once Lindsey had caught his breath I put my hand
under his left armpit and asked him to stand up and walk to the rescue with my assistance and he refused. Several
more request were made by myself, Mann and Carlow for him to stand up and walk to the rescue, however he kept
shouting at us and refusing to be transported. I them picked him up under the armpit and began to walk him towards
the stairs to the exit.
Once at the top of the stairs I was standing next to Lindsey on his left side. I had my right arm woven into his
Coventry Police Department Page: 2
NARRATIVE FOR OFF JOHNATHON S NICKERSON
Ref: 18-38-AR
Entered: 01/14/2018 @ 2323 Entry ID: JSN
Modified: 01/15/2018 @ 2113 Modified ID: DKN
Approved: 01/15/2018 @ 2120 Approval ID: DKN
left arm and was holding his shoulder. He looked at me and said "want to go for a ride" and tried to jump
face first down the stairs, bringing me with him. When he jumped I pulled up on his arm with my right arm and
reached down in front of and across his body grabbing the hand rail with my left hand. Lindsey slid down the stairs
around my body, however I was able to hold myself and him upright and prevented both of us from falling down.
At this time I was above him on the stairs and he was below me. He was facing down the stairs with his back
to my right side and I was facing the wall across from the hand rail. I then felt a tug on my gun and immediately
pulled up on Lindsey's arms forcing him to lose his grip on my gun. I then walked him to the rescue and rescue
personnel and I placed him on a stretcher where Mann was waiting for us. While he was being strapped down on
the stretcher Lindsey repeated to me over and over again "I had your gun 23." "I’m going to remember you 23."
Throughout the incident and while he was laying on the stretcher talking he was spitting up in the air. I took his
t-shirt and covered his mouth with the top collar, careful not to cover his nose, to avoid rescue and I from being spit
on. Rescue then placed a small towel over his mouth to avoid him from spitting any further. Once he was inide the
rescue a mask was placed over his mouth.
I then rode in the rescue with Lindsey to Kent while Off. Guilmette followed in his patrol car. Once at Kent
Hospital Carlow advised that prior to my arrival to 80 Station St., Lindsey had swung his fist at Carlow attempting
to punch him.
I issued Lindsey a district court summons for 11-45-1 Disorderly Conduct and 11-32-1 Obstructing
Officer in Execution of Duty. I explained to him that he had to be at the Kent County Court House on
1/31/18 at 9:00 AM.
I requested that he sign the summons and he stated “No.” I then asked him if he would like me to leave the
summons with him or give it to hospital security to place with his belongings. He stated that he wanted the copy so
I handed it to him. I then requested a nurse to call security to Lindsey’s room in case he changed his mind about
leaving the summons with his belongings.
I then responded to the Anthony Fire Dept. where Mann and Carlow provided me with written statements (see
attached).
** Portions of this report have been redacted **
Coventry Police Department Page: 1
Summons Report 08/28/2018
Summons #: 18-901-AR
Call #: 18-15501
Signature: ______________________________
Signature: ______________________________
1 LINDSEY, ERIC S M 41
80 STATION ST
COVENTRY RI 02816
On 8/2/18 at 1536 hours, units were dispatched to 80 Station St. for a report of a suicidal male who
barricaded himself in his room. The male was said to be Eric Lindsey, who has been known to have access to
weapons and has been violent with officers in the past.
As I arrived on scene, I observed Off. Fraatz and Off. Snow speaking with Lindsey in his bedroom. He was
agitated that we were there but Off. Fraatz was still able to converse with him.
I then spoke with his mother, Cynthia Fagan Perry. Cynthia explained that Lindsey's ex-girlfriend, Allison
Simmons, called her about getting suicidal text messages from him and not being able to reach him by phone.
Cynthia came the apartment, let herself in, and then called 911 saying her son was depressed and despondent.
Simmons was spoken to by phone and stated that while Lindsey did not make a specific threat, he had texted her
song lyrics that referenced suicide. Cynthia was also worried about him because his blood pressure has been very
high and has not been able to convince him to receive treatment.
As this point, Lindsey was starting to become irate and would not even reason with a simple request to let
rescue check his pulse. He backed himself into a corner and started flailing his arms and raising his voice, yelling he
wasn't going anywhere. Off. Snow and I then took hold of Lindsey's wrist to try to calm him and he began to pull
away. Lindsey was told he was going to be placed into protective custody and he started to fight. Lindsey was
actively trying get his hands back in front of his body and began pushing his weight around. At this point, the other
officers on scene began assisting us with getting Lindsey under control. Lindsey was gradually brought to the
ground, all while being told to put his hands behind his back. He continued to resist and tried to crawl into a fetal
position. Once we were finally able to get his right hand cuffed and placed behind his back, we got his legs out from
underneath him so he was flat. Lindsey was still actively giving everything he had not to get his left wrist cuffed
behind. Lindsey was told that if he did not give up his left wrist he would be tasered. Off. Snow then drew his Taser
and placed it on the center of Lindsey's back and gave additional warnings that if he did not stop resisting he would
be tasered. Lindsey was still screaming no, but by this point was beginning to get tired. Using leverage on his left
arm, we were then able to get it out from underneath his chin and behind his back, handcuffed to his right wrist.
Lindsey was then brought to his feet and seated in a chair to catch his breath.
After a couple of minutes, Lindsey was escorted into the rear of the rescue without further issue. Off. Snow then
followed rescue to Kent Hospital, where he was turned over into their care and custody.
Coventry Police Department Page: 1
NARRATIVE FOR OFF THOMAS C SNOW
Ref: 18-901-AR
Entered: 08/03/2018 @ 1010 Entry ID: TCS
Modified: 08/06/2018 @ 1017 Modified ID: AMB
Approved: 08/06/2018 @ 1017 Approval ID: AMB
Narrative:
On 8-2-18 at 1536 hours, Sgt. DeSisto, Off. Fraatz, Off. Novak, Det. Vieira and I were dispatched to a
suicidal male who barricade himself in his room. The male was said to be Eric Lindsey, who was known to me to be
violent towards Coventry Police Officers in the past.
Upon arrival, Off. Fraatz and I entered the residence and began speaking to Lindsey in his bedroom. Off.
Fraatz continued to speak to Lindsey while I remained in the room. It should be noted that Lindsey appeared to be
highly agitated. It also appeared that Lindsey was intoxicated due to the odor of alcohol coming from his breath.
While Off. Fraatz and I spoke to Lindsey, Sgt. DeSisto and Det. Vieira began to speak to his mother, Cynthia Perry.
Sgt. DeSisto advised me that Lindsey texted his ex-girlfriend song lyrics that referred to suicide and ending his life.
Sgt. DeSisto advised me that Perry was worried about Lindsey due to his high blood pressure and not seeking help
for his medical issues.
After I spoke to Sgt. DeSisto, I noted Lindsey was becoming more agitated. I asked him to get off his bed in
order for Coventry Fire Dept. to check his blood pressure. Lindsey then backed himself into a corner and began
flailing his arms and raising his voice. He then yelled "I am not going anywhere". Sgt. DeSisto and I then grabbed
Lindsey's wrist to try to calm him down when he began to pull away. I then told Lindsey that he was being placed
into protective custody when he began to pull away and put his hands in the front of him. At this point all officers
on scene assisted on getting control over Lindsey and after a brief struggle he was placed onto the ground. We were
able to place a handcuff on Lindsey right wrist but he continued to ignore all verbal commands and kept his left
hand under his stomach area. I then placed my taser (#12) in the middle of his back and gave him verbal commands
or he would be tased. Lindsey continued not to listen to our commands but was getting tired and we were able to get
his left wrist in handcuffs. We then placed Lindsey onto a chair in the kitchen where he was able to regain his breath
and calm down.
I then escorted Lindsey to the rear of the rescue. I followed the rescue to Kent Hospital and issued Lindsey a
District Court Summons to Appear on 8-15-18. It should be noted that Lindsey argued about the charge and did not
sign the summons. Lindsey was then turned over to the care of Kent Hospital.