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Pats lineman Christian Barmore accuses Providence police of “unprofessional racism” during the stop

Pats lineman Christian Barmore accuses Providence police of “unprofessional racism” during the stop

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Barmore didn't elaborate, but a Providence police incident report said officers initially observed his Jeep Grand Cherokee drive past their marked patrol car in the area of ​​Elmwood and Parkis avenues shortly before 1 a.m.

In a separate statement, Providence Police Col. Oscar L. Perez Jr. said the department takes seriously all concerns raised by the public but also defends the conduct of the officers involved in the stop.

“We understand that any encounter with law enforcement can be stressful. However, it is important to note that officers are required to enforce all applicable laws, including those related to vehicle registration,” Perez said. “We will continue to review the situation to ensure proper procedures were followed and transparency with the public is maintained.”

The encounter between police and the 25-year-old Barmore was the second time in less than two weeks that a Patriots player had a run-in with law enforcement.

Security Jabril Peppers, 29, was arrested Oct. 5 on charges that he choked a woman multiple times and pushed her head against a wall in his Braintree apartment.

Barmore's vehicle had “tinted windows all around” and a “license plate cover on the temporary license plate, which caused problems reading the information,” the police report states.

Police maneuvered their cruiser behind the Jeep at Elmwood Avenue and Bridgham Street and noticed a temporary registration with “an unknown state,” so officers activated their skylights to signal Barmore to stop, the report said.

It was said Barmore initially did not stop, but instead “slowly rolled” the Jeep before it came to a complete stop on Broad Street, police said.

“This tactic is known to police because it slows interaction with police to hide contraband or weapons,” the report said. “It should also be noted that the area is known for high drug consumption.”

Police got out of their patrol car and approached Barmore, who authorities say became confrontational.

“Barmore’s first response was why he was stopped. Police then provided the reason for the traffic stop and our observations,” the report states. “During this interaction, Barmore had a pro-police attitude and when asked for proper documentation for the vehicle, he then handed it over to police in an aggressive manner.”

Officers later learned that the Jeep's temporary registration had expired on Oct. 5 and Barmore had not provided an updated registration, police said.

“Barmore then proceeded to make a statement to police and requested a ticket,” the report states. “At this point, police advised Barmore that his vehicle would be towed from the scene and that we would also be conducting a search of the vehicle.”

Christian Barmore was selected by the Patriots in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff

Police said they also spoke to Barmore's mother and told her she could pick up her son at the scene. During that time, police say they also observed Barmore reaching under a seat and attempting to conceal an item despite being repeatedly ordered to get out of his Jeep.

And the lineman asked for a police supervisor, the report said.

“During this time, Barmore was on the phone with his mother and stated that he wanted a sergeant on site. “We respectfully told him that the sergeant would arrive on scene when he got out of the vehicle,” police said, adding that he “finally…” came out after several attempts.

“It should be noted that as we attempted to gain control of Barmore, he repeatedly turned away from police and stated he did not want to be touched,” police said. “He then walked to the rear of the vehicle as police continued their search and where he reached under the seat we found an ashtray and what appeared to be a stump rolled with an unknown substance.”

Police said in the report that they found what appeared to be several tubes filled with marijuana under the passenger seat.

“At this point, Barmore walked toward a black Dodge Challenger and left the scene while still giving police a hard time,” the report said.

Police said they left citations on Barmore's SUV for driving an unregistered vehicle, displaying license plate violations and driving with an expired registration.

They had to leave them in the Jeep instead of handing him the documents at the scene because he was “behaving in a belligerent manner and did not want to remain at the scene,” police said.

The Patriots announced in August that Barmore had been diagnosed with blood clots and there was no timetable for his return to the field.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters later Wednesday that the team had learned of the suspension but made clear he was not interested in discussing the matter in detail.

“We are aware of the situation. I had a conversation with him this morning. At least for this time here with you, I just want to focus on Jacksonville.”

Perez said, “If there are any concerns or questions about this incident, we encourage Mr. Barmore to contact the Providence Police Department so we can address them constructively.”

Barmore's agent was contacted for comment Wednesday afternoon.

This breaking news story will be updated as more information is released.


Travis Andersen can be reached at [email protected]. Nicole Yang can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her @nicolecyang. Amanda Milkovits can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her @AmandaMilkovits.

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