Crime & Safety

NK Detective, 5 Others Injured in Tow Truck Chase

A North Kingstown detective was among five people injured in a police chase in Providence and North Providence.

A wild chase through Providence and North Providence has left six people injured, including a North Kingstown police detective.

According to the WPRI-TV, the chase began at an auto salvage yard in North Providence as the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug-Trafficking Area Task Force investigated a local man for stolen cars. The investigation soon turned into a wild pursuit as the man – Sean Sparfven, 30, of Providence – and his sister fled from police. The chase ended in Providence when Sparfven crashed his tow truck into his own house on Edgemere Avenue in Providence.

During the chase, Sparfven allegedly caused multiple crashes that injured three police officers. Sparfven reportedly punched another officer in the face when police first confronted him at the auto salvage yard, before fleeing. According to the Providence Journal, a state trooper and a North Kingstown police detective were forced to open fire on the truck and Sparfven's 29-year-old sister Renee was grazed by one of the bullets, resulting in a minor injury.

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Sparfven is to be arraigned Thursday in Providence District Court, according to State Police Col. Steven O'Donnell. He is facing 14 charges in connection with the incident:

  • two counts of assault with intent to murder
  • three counts of felony assault and battery with a dangerous weapon
  • two counts of reckless driving
  • two counts of leaving the scene after causing injury

Check here the Providence Journal's video piece on the incident.

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