---
title: "Is running from police resisting arrest in Rhode Island?"
description: "It depends. Running from police in Rhode Island can support a resisting arrest charge when the officer was attempting a lawful arrest and the running was specifically intended to prevent that arrest...."
url: https://www.chadbanklaw.com/faq-items/is-running-from-police-resisting-arrest-in-rhode-island/
date: 2026-05-24
modified: 2026-05-24
author: "The Law Office of Chad F Bank"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# Is running from police resisting arrest in Rhode Island?

It depends. Running from police in Rhode Island can support a resisting arrest charge when the officer was attempting a lawful arrest and the running was specifically intended to prevent that arrest. However, fleeing from a police stop that has not escalated to arrest may be charged differently (eluding a police officer, R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-4.1, for vehicle fleeing). Running before the officer has indicated intent to arrest is also not always resisting. Defense work often focuses on the specific sequence of events: when did the officer attempt arrest, what verbal commands were given, and what did the defendant know about the officer's intent.