The Cranston Police Department reports that its officers were fired upon by a suspect in a domestic disturbance. Around 8:05 p.m. on September 3, 2024, CPD officers responded to 18 Harding Avenue for a report of a domestic disturbance.

It was reported that a man had produced a gun and fired multiple shots at his wife inside their home after making homicidal and suicidal statements. CPD says the suspect, 69-year-old Neil Douglas, had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and had become increasingly ill.

The female escaped the residence before calling 911 from a neighbor’s phone. At the scene, officers were outside establishing a perimeter. The suspect allegedly fired two shots at the officers from inside.

No officers were hit. CPD says the rounds hit a residence across the street. Nearby residences were evacuated. The Special Reaction Team, Drone Team, and Crisis Negotiation Team responded.

Just after midnight, authorities made entry into the residence and found the male suspect deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. CPD says multiple firearms were found near the suspect’s body.