Stabbed In The Back: Protective Vest Saves Cranston Officer

CRANSTON, RI — A Cranston officer walked away with a puncture wound Monday after a suspect tried to stab him repeatedly in the back through his protective vest, the police allege. The incident happened around 4:17 p.m. in an apartment on Caporal Street. Police went there to answer a domestic disturbance call. Ultimately, two residents, Luis Anthony Silva, 37, and Brenda J. Silva, 57, were arrested.

According to police, a caller complained Luis Silva was outside the house making a disturbance. Then Silva allegedly went inside and threatened his former girl friend. When officers arrived, he fled. A search began. Then his mother Brenda arrived and allegedly shouted and swore at the police and at her son's former girl friend. Then Silva came back and allegedly threatened police.

"While Officers attempted to place Mr. Silva in custody, he violently resisted causing Mr. Silva and the Officers to lose their balance and fall to the ground," police said. The officers went for the handcuffs, but Silva allegedly pulled a knife and stabbed one of the officers in the "lower back at least three times." His mother allegedly attempted to get into it, too. Another officer used " a high degree of force" to pull the knife away and place Siva in custody. The officer's wounds were superficial puncture wounds, due to the protective vest. Medics took Silva to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment of his injuries during the arrest.

He was held overnight in Cranston and charged with these offenses: Assault with intent to commit a specified felony; Assault of police officers and other officials; Resisting legal or illegal arrest; Threats to public officials; Domestic vandalism/malicious injury to property; and Domestic disorderly conduct. Silva was arraigned in Third District Court on Tuesday.

Bail was set at $50,000 with surety and with the condition he would not have contact with the victim.

Brenda Silva was arraigned by a Justice of the Peace at Cranston Police Headquarters and released on $1000 personal recognizance on the following charges: Disorderly Conduct; Obstruction of Officer in Execution of Duty; and Simple Assault (two counts).