Bystander recounts disarming and tackling dad who opened fire at Rhode Island hockey match killing two
A 'good Samaritan' has spoken out after being praised for helping bring a 'swift end' to a 'tragic' shooting at a school hockey game.
On Monday afternoon (February 16), just before 3pm local time, gunfire rang out at a high school hockey game taking place at Dennis M. Lynch Arena on Andrew D. Ferland Way in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Three people died and three more were hospitalized in critical condition, Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves reported during a news conference.
Goncalves confirmed two victims were members of the suspected shooter's family and that the third person dead was the suspect, who authorities believe died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
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Goncalves later credited a 'good Samaritan' for stepping in and helping ensure a 'swift end' to the 'tragic event,' as quoted by WCVB.
And a man named Michael Black has since come forward, reporting that he was at the game to support a friend's son and sharing details of what he experienced.
Black told the outlet he 'heard two shots' which sounded like 'balloons popping'. However, after 'another,' he soon realized it wasn't balloons.
Black said he immediately turned to his wife and friend and told them to run, before identifying a person shooting and making the split-second decision to 'just grab' and go 'for the gun,' getting his hand 'caught' in the process.
Thankfully, other bystanders came to his aid, 'trying to tackle' the shooter.
"And then he fell down, and he fell right towards me. So he was on his back," Black added.
Goncalves revealed authorities have since identified the suspect in the shooting.
Goncalves said: "So what I can say right now is that we have identified a suspect by a birth name, which was Robert Dorgan.
"We have already learned that the person does go by the name Roberta, [and] also uses the last name of Esposito. But, again, that will all be confirmed throughout the course of the investigation as to their status."
She added authorities believe the event was 'targeted' and may have resulted from a 'family dispute'.
Referring to another shooting which took place in December at Brown University, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee said: "Our state is grieving again.
"As governor, a parent and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket."
If you or someone you know has been affected by gun violence, please find more information and support via Survivors Empowered on their website.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
Poppy Bilderbeck