Patriots star Christian Barmore and Providence police exchange insults over a traffic stop

Providence police are encouraging Patriots defensive end Christian Barmore to “make contact” to talk about being pulled over for traffic violations, an incident he described as “racism at its finest.”

Providence police cited Barmore with three motor vehicle law violations for the incident early Wednesday morning: operating an unregistered vehicle, license plate display fines and driving with an expired registration.

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

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

“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 in a statement. “We will continue to review the situation to ensure proper procedures were followed and transparency with the public is maintained.”

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

Police stopped a dull gray Jeep Grand Cherokee just before 1 a.m. after noticing the vehicle had tinted windows and a temporary license plate, which “caused problems reading the information,” a police report said.

The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Barmore, rolled “slowly” off Elmwood Avenue and Brigham Street before crashing in front of 343 Broad St. on Providence's south side, near the Roger Williams Park Zoo came to a standstill.

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

After being spoken to, Barmore asked officers why they stopped him before informing him of their “observations.” Officials discovered that the temporary registration expired earlier this month, on October 5.

Barmore failed to provide an updated registration and “attended to officers and requested a ticket,” the police report states. Police alerted him that the vehicle would be towed from the scene and searched.

Barmore reportedly refused to exit the vehicle and officers noticed him “reaching under the seat and attempting to conceal an item,” according to the police report. He “finally” left after officers spoke with his mother about picking up her son from the scene.

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

“As we attempted to gain control of Barmore, he repeatedly pushed himself away from police and stated he did not want to be touched,” the report said.

Inside the vehicle, officers found “an ashtray and what appeared to be a stump rolled with an unknown substance where he was seen reaching under the seat. “Under the passenger seat we found what appeared to be several tubes filled with marijuana,” it says the report.

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

“Because Barmore was acting belligerent and would not remain on scene, we left his citation in the vehicle along with his driver’s license and documents,” the report states.

Head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters at Gillette Stadium later Wednesday morning that the organization was “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, I just want to focus on Jacksonville.

Barmore, who is 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 end of the season.

“He’s making progress,” the head coach said of Barmore. “He still has some checkpoints or hurdles to overcome, but he’s making progress.”

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

Originally published: October 16, 2024 at 1:33 p.m