R.I. man sentenced for attempting to stab police, paramedic

A Rhode Island man will serve at least six years in prison for robbing a man outside a cannabis dispensary in Fall River and attempting to stab multiple police officers and a paramedic following the robbery, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III’s office announced Tuesday.

Dillon Nobles, 26, of Tiverton, R.I., pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count each of armed assault with intent to murder, armed assault with intent to rob and resisting arrest in connection with a “series of episodes” in Fall River on Jan. 24, 2022, Quinn’s office said.

On that date, Nobles, who was intoxicated, went to the Nature’s Medicine cannabis dispensary in Fall River with his mother. While he waited outside, he encountered a man who gave him $30 to purchase marijuana on his behalf.

Nobles went into the store but exited before buying any cannabis, according to the statement. After being confronted by the man, Nobles “brandished” a folding knife and threatened the man with it.

Later, Nobles became unresponsive while on a Southeastern Regional Transit Authority bus. When roused by paramedics and police, he was “defiant and refused treatment,” prosecutors said.

An officer deescalated the situation and convinced Nobles to go to the hospital, but he became agitated as he walked to a stretcher and threatened a pandemic, according to Quinn’s office.

Nobles then brandished the knife again and approached the paramedic. Police intervened, prompting Nobles to slash at the “neck/torso area” of a responding officer.

Nobles then fled on foot with officers trailing him.

Another officer joined the chaise and stained himself ahead of Nobles. He tried to subdue Nobles but the area was crowded, grabbing hold of his left arm but failing to grab the man’s right arm.

Nobles then pulled out the knife with his right hand and “violently attempted to stab the officer in the neck, coming within inches,” Quinn’s office said. Yet another officer grabbed his arm and held him at bay until other officers arrived, took the knife, and later tased Nobles.

Prosecutors had argued in court for a 12 to 15 year sentence, while Nobles’ attorneys requested three to five years. Judge Brian Glenny ultimately sentenced the man to six to 10 years.

The case “highlights the danger that police officers face when they encounter armed and violent individuals during the course of performing their duties,” Quinn said in the statement.

“The police should be commended for using remarkable restraint in subduing the defendant,” he said. “He clearly is a danger to the community and needs to be kept off the street.”