Police share video of gym incident involving former Patriots player after case update
NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — North Providence police released a surveillance video of a gym incident involving former New England Patriots player after saying they disagree with the court case updates.
Former Patriots fullback Patrick Pass was arrested in September 2024 for allegedly assaulting an 82-year-old man at the gym.
At the time, he was charged with assault on a person over 60 causing bodily harm.
According to court documents, Pass was accepted into the diversion program last October.
The diversion program offers eligible defendants with framework of supervision and service instead of incarceration or probation, the Rhode Island Judiciary website says.
"Our agency felt that we brought a strong enough cash forward for Mr. Pass to be charged," North Providence Police Chief Alfredo Ruggiero Jr. said. "The courts saw it differently and we felt that it was the time to release the video."
The surveillance video shared by the police shows Pass and at least two others at the Planet Fitness facility in North Providence, where the alleged assault took place.
At one point, Pass is seen pushing a person, and the person falling to the ground.
According to police, the victim struck an equipment as he fell to the ground, and injured his back.
The police chief said the victim was disappointed to learn about the update.
North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi said he was also disappointed with the outcome.
"If we look at the video, if you push, hurt, an 82-year-old person, I don’t think there’s any room for forgiveness. I support what the police department has done and how they’ve handled this," Lombardi said. "Just because anyone is a law abiding citizen, should you be able to do this? In our opinion, no."
Ruggiero said at the press conference that he released the video now because he didn't want to taint what was happening through the court system.
He said he now wanted to "wrap up the investigation" and "let people know the outcome" by sharing the surveillance video.
