Cranston Man Sexually Assaults Woman On Bus In Barrington: Police

BARRINGTON, RI — Barrington police arrested a Cranston man Thursday they said sexually assaulted a 23-year-old woman on a RIPTA bus.

Eduardo Calderon, 67, was arraigned in 6th District Court and charged with second degree sexual assault.

Police said the assault happened on July 6. According to police, the woman called officers and said Calderon kissed her arm and shoulder and groped her breasts, while she was riding on a RIPTA bus. The victim provided police with a description of the suspect, later identified as Calderon.

The next day, RIPTA security provided police with time stamped rider lists and security camera footage of inside the bus. Police said through watching the security footage, they discovered a good Samaritan witnessed the assault and intervened.

On Monday, Barrington police released Calderon's picture to news outlets and shared his picture on social media. After releasing his picture, police said they received several tips from the public, other local police departments and the Rhode Island State Police Sex Offender Registry Unit.

The tips led police to Calderon, who police learned was currently incarcerated at the Adult Correctional Institute's Intake Center. Calderon was previously arrested on a shoplifting charge and was being held as a violator of a suspended sentence, police said.

"The persistent and relentless investigation conducted by BPD Detective John Sgagliardich assisted by Det. Joshua Melo that stretched over nearly one month is to be commended," Police Chief Michael Correia said in a statement.