Providence College basketball player Duncan Powell was taken into custody in the early hours of Sunday morning and formally charged with domestic violence disorderly conduct following a disturbing incident involving his ex-girlfriend.
Alleged Threats and Police Response
According to a police report obtained by local news outlets, the 23-year-old athlete allegedly threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend, her friends, and then himself. Cranston Police officers were dispatched to a residence on Plainfield Pike shortly after 1:00 AM on Sunday after receiving a report that a woman's friend's ex-boyfriend was outside her home armed with a firearm.
Upon arrival, law enforcement found no one outside the property, as Powell—a 6-foot-8 forward hailing from Dallas—had already departed the scene. The friend informed police that Powell's ex-girlfriend had been present earlier in the evening but was subjected to a barrage of phone calls from Powell demanding to know her whereabouts.
Escalating Fears and Physical Evidence
Fearing for her safety and the safety of her friends, the ex-girlfriend chose to leave the friend's house. Shortly after her departure, Powell arrived at the location. Another witness told officers they observed an object protruding from Powell's sweatshirt pocket during this time. Powell allegedly remained at the door for approximately four minutes before leaving the premises.
Officers requested the ex-girlfriend return to the scene to provide a statement. She reportedly told police that Powell had struck her earlier on Saturday while they were at his apartment, showing them a visible bruise on her leg as evidence. Additionally, she disclosed that during a recent oil change, she discovered a tracking device attached to the underside of her vehicle, indicating Powell's persistent efforts to monitor her movements.
Dramatic Arrest at Gunpoint
The police report notes that while officers were interviewing the ex-girlfriend, Powell repeatedly attempted to call her phone. An officer answered one of these calls and urged Powell to return to the scene to speak with authorities. The officer believed Powell was walking during the conversation and soon spotted him approaching with his hand concealed inside his sweatshirt.
Due to concerns for their safety, officers drew their firearms and arrested Powell at gunpoint. However, a subsequent search revealed that Powell was not armed. His vehicle, a black Cadillac, was found parked just around the block from the apartment.
Basketball Career and Legal Proceedings
Duncan Powell, who is scheduled for arraignment on Monday morning, played in 22 games for the Providence Friars during the last season, starting in five of those contests. He averaged 4.6 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. Prior to his time at Providence College, Powell had collegiate basketball stints at North Carolina A&T, Sacramento State, and Georgia Tech.
This arrest casts a shadow over Powell's athletic career and highlights serious allegations of domestic violence and threatening behavior. The case remains under investigation as legal proceedings move forward.
