Narragansett Police Charge 22 URI Students Since Labor Day - Including 2 for Assaulting Officers

Narragansett Police Charge 22 URI Students Since Labor Day - Including 2 for Assaulting Officers

The Narragansett Police Department announced on Monday that it has charged 22 University of Rhode Island students with various offenses over a one-week period from September 2 through September 8. 

According to police, the offenses included underage possession of alcohol, public consumption of alcohol, littering, urinating in public, transportation of alcohol, misrepresentation of age, DUI and social host. 

Two of the students, Jake Dignam, age 20, and Cody Calkins, age 21, were charged on Friday, September 6, with multiple offenses, including allegedly assaulting police officers at an unruly gathering in the Bonnet Shores neighborhood. 

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One police officer was reportedly injured during the incident. Both individuals will be arraigned at the 4th Division District Court at a later date.

 

New Ramifications

Police said that resident-renters and homeowners at three separate residences will be issued Municipal Court summonses this week for violations of the newly amended Public Nuisance Ordinance.

As a result of the amendment, renters and their guests may now face fines for a first offense. Many offenses are punishable by a $500 fine, according to the ordinance.

"The Narragansett Police Department will continue to arrest and prosecute offenders in the student-renter community who choose to violate town statutes and ordinances," said Chief Sean Corrigan. "Students are reminded of the potentially life-altering consequences of bad choices, and are urged to show respect for each other, the police and the community at-large."

Narragansett Police said that the department "works closely" with URI officials. 

"The University is aware of several incidents that occurred in Narragansett over the past weekend and does not condone the reported behavior. Any involvement by URI students will be reviewed consistent with the University's Community Standards and Student Conduct System and may result in sanctions, including suspension or dismissal, in addition to any local actions taken. The University appreciates the efforts of local law enforcement and is working closely with the Narragansett police department to uphold and promote the well-being of our community," said URI in a statement. 

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.