Police Bring Down Gunman, Could Gun Laws Prevent Future Incidents?

In an paradigm of coincidence Tuesday afternoon, at the same time that Rhode Island lawmakers were unveiling a package of gun control bills, Newport police were bringing down an alleged gunman.  Police confirmed the suspect, 21-year-old Tyquan Mitchell, did not have a permit to legally carry a gun.

The proposed laws would increase penalties and close loopholes on gun crimes, add mental-health background checks and ban semi-automatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

After allegedly waving the gun in the Park Holm area, police said Mitchell fled in a car to Miantonomi Park, where he was brought down by gunpoint. Police said children who were playing at the park ran from the scene. 

Police found a loaded .22 short caliber as well as illegal Vicodin pills near Mitchell.  Police said it is undetermined where he got the gun, but he reportedly said he bought it out of state. 

Police charged Mitchell with three felonies: license or permit required for carrying a pistol, possession of arms by a person convicted of a crime and possession of drugs.  He was convicted on a felony drug possession charge last August.

What's your take? What laws do you think could be enacted to prevent similar incidents and improve public saftey?

The incident was reported by the Newport Police Department.  An arrest does not indicate a conviction.

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