NARRAGANSETT – Twenty-two University of Rhode Island students, including two accused of assaulting police officers, have been charged by Narragansett police in connection with various incidents that occurred between Sept. 2 and Sept. 8, police Chief Sean Corrigan said.
Corrigan said in a press release that the charges include the following:
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underage alcohol possession
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public alcohol consumption, littering
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to urinate in public
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transportation of alcohol
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misrepresentation of age
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Driving under the influence
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violating the state’s social guest law
Two students accused of attacking police officer
The most serious charges were filed against two male students, ages 20 and 21, who are accused of assaulting police officers on Friday, Sept. 6, during an “unruly gathering” in the Bonnet Shores neighborhood, Corrigan said in a news release. One police officer was injured.
The two students will be arraigned on these and other charges at a later date in Wakefield District Court, he said.
Residents and tenants are also being taken to court for ‘nuisance’
Homeowners of three separate properties and their tenants will also be issued citations for violations of the city’s public nuisance ordinance, Corrigan said. As a result of a recent change, tenants and their guests can now be issued fines for a first offense, he said.
“The Narragansett Police Department will continue to arrest and prosecute offenders in the student-tenant community who choose to violate city statutes and ordinances,” Corrigan said. “Students are reminded of the potentially life-altering consequences of poor choices, and are urged to show respect for each other, the police and the community at large.”
In the same press release, URI said the incidents would be investigated by the school and that students could face sanctions, including suspension or expulsion.
“The university is aware of several incidents that occurred in Narragansett this past weekend and does not condone the reported behavior,” URI said in the statement.
“The university appreciates the efforts of local law enforcement and works closely with the Narragansett Police Department to preserve and promote the well-being of our community,” URI said.
This article originally appeared in The Providence Journal: Narragansett Police: 22 URI Students Charged in One Week
