State police cruisers getting partitions

SCITUATE (AP) — Rhode Island State Police have retrofitted cruisers with partitions a year after a man stole a police vehicle and set off a chain of events that lead to a fatal shooting on Interstate 95.

WPRI-TV reports state police have added partitions or totally replaced about 40 vehicles. They say all 105 cruisers will have partitions when the project is completed next year. It’s expected to cost $136,000.

Capt. Derek Borek, who is managing the project, says the partitions are being paid for with money the state received from a $230 million settlement with Google.

Donald Morgan stole a police cruiser while he was being transported to a hearing. Police later fatally shot 32-year-old Joseph Santos after receiving a tip Morgan had climbed into a truck matching the description of Santos’ vehicle.