Seven arrested after fight aboard Block Island Ferry

Greg Smith, The Day, New London, Conn.
·1 min read

Aug. 9—NARRAGANSETT, R.I. — Two people were injured and police arrested seven people on Monday in connection with a fight aboard a Block Island Ferry that led to police boarding the ferry while en route to the ferry terminal at Point Judith.

Police had responded at 9:35 p.m. on Monday for reports of a disturbance on the ferry, which is operated by Interstate Navigation Company and was on its way back from Block Island.

Rhode Island State Police, in a statement, said troopers joined officers from the Narragansett, North Kingstown and South Kingstown police departments in the response. Police boarded the ferry, arrested the seven individuals and, in coordination with local emergency medical services, transported two people to the hospital with minor injuries.

Most of the seven people arrested, all from either Providence or Pawtucket, R.I. and ranging in age from 20 to 36, were charged with disorderly conduct. Chevon R. Towns, 20, of Providence faced a weapons charge — a prohibited weapon other than a firearm. All seven were placed in custody, transported to a state police barracks, arraigned in front of a justice of the peace and released.

State troopers were assigned aboard the scheduled ferries throughout the night, police said. But police said the fight occurred on an unscheduled ferry added late due to overcrowding and where there was no police presence.

State police said six additional state troopers were assigned to assist the New Shoreham Police Department on Block Island Monday in anticipation of large crowds at the popular Ballard's Beach Resort. Police there arrested a 30-year-old Providence man on disorderly conduct charges.