Patriots player cites racism in dealing with Providence police; Police release report

(WJAR) — New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore claims racism played a role in an interaction with Providence police officers who stopped him early Wednesday morning.

Barmore, who did not play this season after being diagnosed with blood clots over the summer, took to social media after the interaction and called the interaction with five officials “unprofessional.”

“I just witnessed for the first time 5 Providence police officers very unprofessional racism at its finest,” he wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez said the interaction was in full accordance with department protocols.

“The officer acted in full accordance with department protocols and state regulations,” Perez said in a statement. “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. We will continue to review the situation to ensure proper procedures were followed and to maintain transparency with the public.

On Wednesday morning, Providence police released the police report to NBC 10 News.

In the police narrative, the department alleges Barmore gave officers an “attitude” during the interaction.

He was charged with three traffic violations, including driving an unregistered vehicle, a license plate display ticket and driving with an expired license plate.

According to police, the interaction began at 12:53 a.m. when Barmore drove a dull gray Jeep Grand Cherokee past a marked patrol car. The story states that officers noticed window tint on his vehicle and a license plate cover that did not allow a clear view of a temporary license plate.

The officers then activated their overhead lights.

At this point, the story says Barmore was “slowly rolling” stopped at 343 Broad St. The narrative alleges that law enforcement officials believe this is a tactic used by drivers to hide contraband.

The department states that Pennsylvania's provisional registration expired on October 5, 2024 and that Barmore cannot provide an updated registration.

At that point, officers allege that Barmore “attracted them and asked for a ticket.”

Police said officers told Barmore his vehicle would be towed.

According to the department, Barmore was asked to exit the vehicle “multiple times” and “police observed him reaching under the seat and attempting to conceal an item.”

As he exited the vehicle, officers allege Barmore “repeatedly pushed himself away from police and stated he did not want to be touched.”

According to reports, officers found a blunt containing an unknown substance and several tubes filled with marijuana under the seat.

Officers then recorded Barmore leaving the scene in a black Dodge Challenger.

The citations for his traffic violations were left in his vehicle along with his driver's license and documents.

In a statement, Perez encouraged Barmore to contact the department to address the situation “in a constructive manner.”

“We are aware of the situation, I had a conversation with him this morning,” Obermantel Jarod Mayo said on Wednesday during a conversation with the media.

NBC 10 News reached out to the Patriots for comment.

Providence police noted that body cameras recorded the interaction.