Man Charged With Threatening Woonsocket Mayor: Police

WOONSOCKET, RI — A man has been arrested after calling the Woonsocket police dispatch center and making threats to harm Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt and other elected officials, said Woonsocket police in a press release Tuesday.

Michael Roy, 33, of Woonsocket, is charged with threatening public officials and faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 if deemed guilty, said police.

Police say Roy called the Woonsocket police dispatch center at 3:45 p.m. on Dec. 23 and made threats to harm Baldelli-Hunt and other elected officials in general, claiming to have loaded weapons just a block from the mayor's house and threatening to order her out of her house.

The call was immediately transferred to Sgt. Justin Glode, a Night Platoon supervisor, Special Reaction Team member, and certified hostage negotiator.

"Sgt. Glode spoke with Mr. Roy for nearly two and a half hours to de-escalate and defuse Mr. Roy and his threats against the Mayor," said the press release.

Following the call, police say Roy surrendered himself to officers waiting outside his residence and was transported to a medical facility for a psychological evaluation. Police later found several loaded firearms and ammunition in his possession, which were seized and are being held at the police department.

No one was injured during the incident, said police.

Roy is scheduled to be arraigned in 6th District Court on Tuesday.