News

Oct 17, 2024

Patriots star Christian Barmore, Providence police blast each other over traffic stop

The Providence Police Department is encouraging Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore to “reach out” to discuss being pulled over for motor vehicle violations, an incident he called “racism at

The Providence Police Department is encouraging Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore to “reach out” to discuss being pulled over for motor vehicle violations, an incident he called “racism at its finest.”

Providence police issued Barmore three motor vehicle violations from the early Wednesday morning incident: operation of an unregistered vehicle, display of plates penalties, and driving with an expired registration.

“I just experienced for the first time 5 Providence cops being very unprofessional racism at it’s finest,” Barmore posted on X at 1:22 a.m., roughly 20 to 30 minutes after his interaction with officers.

In response to Barmore’s allegations, Police Col. Oscar Perez said the department “takes all concerns from the public very seriously and with the utmost professionalism,” while highlighting that “the officer acted in full compliance with department protocols and state regulations.”

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

“If there are any concerns or questions about this incident,” he added, “we encourage Mr. Barmore to reach out to the Providence Police Department so we can address them in a constructive manner.”

Police pulled over a matte grey Jeep Grand Cherokee minutes before 1 a.m., after noticing the vehicle had tinted windows and a plate cover on a temporary registration, “causing issues on reading the information,” a police report states.

The operator of the vehicle, later identified as Barmore, “slow rolled” from Elmwood Avenue and Brigham Street before coming to a complete stop in front 343 Broad St., in the South Side of Providence, close to Roger Williams Park Zoo.

“This tactic is known to police by slowing down an interaction with police to hide any contraband or weapons,” the police report states. “It should also be noted that the area is known for high narcotic usage.”

After being approached, Barmore asked officers why they pulled him over before they informed him of their “observations.” Officers determined the temporary registration expired earlier this month, on Oct. 5.

Barmore did not provide an updated registration and gave officers “attitude and asked for a ticket,” the police report states. Police alerted him that the vehicle would be towed away from the scene and that they’d search the vehicle.

Barmore reportedly resisted getting out of the vehicle and officers spotted him allegedly “reaching under the seat attempting to conceal an object,” according to the police report. He “finally” exited after officers spoke to his mother about picking her son up from the scene.

Officers also told Barmore they’d honor his request that a sergeant would also respond.

“It should be noted that while we were trying to get control of Barmore, he kept pushing away from police stating that he did not want to be touched,” the report states.

Inside the vehicle, officers found “an ash cup along with what appeared to be a blunt rolled with an unknown substance where he was seen reaching under the seat. Under the passenger side seat, we found what appeared to be several tubes filled with marijuana,” the report states.

Barmore reportedly left the scene in a black Dodge Challenger, “while still giving police a hard time.”

“Due to Barmore’s belligerent behavior and not wanting to stay on scene, we left his summons in the vehicle along with his license and documents,” the report states.

Addressing reporters at Gillette Stadium later Wednesday morning, head coach Jerod Mayo said the organization is “aware of the situation.”

“I had a conversation with him this morning,” he said. “But like I said, at least for this time here with you guys, I just want to focus on Jacksonville.

Barmore, on the non-football illness list, has been out of action this season after being diagnosed with blood clots early in training camp. Mayo hinted last week that the star defensive tackle could potentially return before the season ends.

“He’s progressing,” the head coach said of Barmore. “He still has some checkpoints or hurdles to get over, but he’s progressing.”

Barmore received a four-year, $84 million contract extension with the Patriots in April. The 2021 second-round pick was one of the NFL’s best defensive tackles last season, registering 8.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 16 QB hits in 17 games.