NARRAGANSETT, RI — Narragansett Town Manager James Tierney at Monday night’s town council meet shared police body camera footage of from the night two University of Rhode Island students were accused of assaulting officers trying to break up a house party.
Cody Calkins, 21, and Jake Dignam, 20, were arrested Sept. 6, and were charged with simple assault, obstructing an officer in the line of duty, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
In the body cam footage Tierney shared, it shows officers walking up to a home on Leonard Bodwell Road. The footage shows the property was packed with students and one of them shouting at the officers. Moments later, the student shoves an officer, Tierney said.
“You’ll see a lot of green and pavement in these videos, because the officer was knocked to the ground and that’s where the camera was pointing,” Tierney said.
“There’s no excuse for it,” Tierney added. “It should not be tolerated by the residents. It should certainly not be tolerated by our police officers. We’ll do everything we can to try to mitigate these matters and to bring some people under control in our community.”
Resident Chris Mannix said he lives about 4,000 feet from where the party took place and has family who live even closer.
“This literally happened in our backyard,” Mannix said. “As we do approach November, I think it’s important we elect people that know what we saw on that video is completely unacceptable and has no place in our neighborhoods.”
University officials said they are aware of the incident, as well as almost two dozen other arrests, that took place between Sept. 2 and 8.
“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,” a university statement regarding the incident read. “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.”
Calkins was scheduled to appear in Washington County District Court on Tuesday morning, while Dignam’s next court date is scheduled for Sept. 24. Both have been released on personal recognizance.
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