By Parker Gavigan, NBC 10
I-Team Reporter
The NBC 10 I-Team has obtained
a police report from Arlington Texas, indicating the arrest of Providence
Police officer Nicholas Froncillo on October 18th for public intoxication at a
spa.
Anthony Cole, a witness told
the I-Team that Froncillo “got mad and stormed out of the business.” He then
came back in and said his wallet was stolen, according to Cole. He left,
returned and said his cell phone and credit card were also stolen. “He was
obviously drunk” said Cole. “He was threatening the proprietors of the business
and shouting out derogatory names,” added the witness. The arresting officer
wrote in the report, “I was dispatched to a disturbance call involving an
intoxicated male suspect that was alone in a public place and exhibiting
behavior which placed his safety in doubt.” Froncillo was then arrested.
Earlier in the week, Police
Chief Hugh Clements confirmed the department was looking into the arrest, but
wouldn't identify the officer. The incident is the latest in a rash of
embarrassing incidents for the Providence Police. Rookie cop David Sanchez lost
his job after he was caught holding a cell phone allegedly stolen by his
girlfriend at the Providence Marriott following a graduation party. It was
later learned that had multiple arrests on his record, including marijuana
possession and leaving the scene of an accident.
The NBC 10 I-Team has learned
through multiple sources that another recruit has been suspended for his role
at the Marriott last weekend. A third recruit has also been suspended for an
off-duty incident at the Whiskey Republic bar next to the Providence river. And
a fourth recruit has been suspended for not showing up to the Columbus Day
Parade.
New recruits are not alone with
these recent mishaps.
Sources confirm a veteran
officer was attending the recruiting class ceremony on Oct. 10 at Rhode Island
College when he allegedly kissed a woman on her cheek after asking the officer
to move out of the way. The officer was not identified by police, but Commissioner
Steven Pare said all the officers are receiving different punishments.
The I-Team has learned that
discipline varies from one- to three-day suspensions to written reprimands.