“It’s a vehicle that’s 100 percent necessary in this day and age.” – Cranston Police Chief Col. Michael J. Winquist

In Rhode Island, the increasing frequency and complexity of high-risk law enforcement incidents has underscored the necessity for specialized armored vehicles. The Lenco BearCat has become a vital asset for multiple agencies across the state, providing enhanced protection and operational capability during critical situations.

Cranston’s July 9, 2025 Standoff: Peaceful Surrender

On July 9, 2025, Cranston police responded to a standoff involving a suspect wanted for armed robbery. The suspect barricaded himself inside a residence on Warwick Avenue. Officers established a perimeter and attempted negotiations, but the individual remained uncooperative. A flash-bang device was deployed, leading to the suspect’s peaceful surrender. This incident highlighted the critical need for armored vehicles to ensure officer and public safety during high-risk calls.

“We borrow other people’s vehicles and they come and try to help and that’s great. But we have enough calls for service and SWAT calls that we need our own.” – Cranston Police Chief Col. Michael J. Winquist

Providence Shootout, February 10, 2022: Ballistic Protection

On February 10, 2022, Providence police faced a dramatic standoff during a domestic violence incident. After receiving a call, officers discovered that the intoxicated suspect had assaulted another person and was in possession of 15 firearms. Tactical teams and state police arrived on the scene with their BearCat, allowing officers to safely approach the home and evacuate residents from both the house and surrounding area.

“If it wasn’t there, we could have buried a lot of police officers.” – Providence Police Col. Oscar Perez

Three hours into the standoff, the suspect fired hundreds of rounds at police and the BearCat, yet no officers or civilians were injured. The situation escalated further when the bedroom the suspect was in caught fire, requiring firefighters to take control of the blaze. The BearCat provided a secure platform for law enforcement to respond to the rapidly changing situation, demonstrating the life-saving value of armored protection in high-risk operations—and prompted the order of another BearCat vehicle for the Providence PD.

BearCat as Tactical Gear for Safe Search Warrant Execution

BearCats are also instrumental during the execution of search warrants, serving as one component of the tactical gear necessary to keep officers safe.

Following the homicide of a 16-year-old on August 11, 2025, Providence police needed to search a residence in Olneyville. Officers approached the home in full tactical gear, prepared for the potential threat of a high-powered weapon—including the protection of a BearCat armored vehicle.

“That was the only way you could safely execute that search warrant. Obviously, to basically do an assault on a home like that with a SWAT team, it takes 20 people… There was no one inside, but you didn’t know what you were facing.” – Cranston Police Chief Col. Michael J. Winquist

Another notable incident includes the police raid of the Hells Angels Providence clubhouse in 2019. The RI State Police BearCat vehicle was deployed with its breaching system, and smashed the reinforced door of the biker gang’s Messer Street headquarters. This operation led to the arrest and conviction of Hells Angels Rhode Island president on gun charges, after he shot at a passing truck driven by a former gang prospect.

“Our officers wear bulletproof vests to protect themselves. This vehicle actually provides that ballistic protection.” – Providence Police Col. Oscar Perez

These examples demonstrate how BearCats enhance officer safety, allowing law enforcement to approach unknown threats with confidence while minimizing risk.

Conclusion: Prepared for Any Threat

The experiences of Cranston, Providence, and Warwick illustrate the evolving challenges faced by law enforcement in Rhode Island—and multiple agencies including Cranston and Warwick Police Departments have taken action by ordering a BearCat Armored Vehicle. The area’s investment in life-saving tactical gear like the BearCat will ensure Rhode Island’s police departments are equipped to protect and serve their communities under the most dangerous circumstances.

Read more about the incidents and acquisitions at the following sources:

• https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/crime/2025/09/03/ri-police-use-of-armored-vehicles-has-surged-why-they-are-ordering-more/85921374007/
• https://www.providencejournal.com/picture-gallery/news/crime/2025/07/09/scenes-from-cranston-police-standoff-at-warwick-ave/84520169007/
• https://www.wpri.com/target-12/dramatic-shootout-spurred-providence-police-to-purchase-new-bearcat-vehicle/