Son, Father Tussle Over Movie Rentals

A heated argument over renting HBO movies led to a domestic violence charge for an East Providence man last Saturday, Aug. 24. 

Hugo M. Pontes, 23, of 142 Waterman Ave., was charged with domestic simple assault and battery because East Providence police determined that he was the “aggressor” in a fight with his father early Saturday morning. Police responded at about 12:17 am. 

Pontes and his father reportedly got into a shoving and pushing fight after his father accused him of renting $400 worth of HBO movies that were charged to their landlord. The landlord said he expected payment for the movies by Sept. 1 or they would be evicted.

Pontes denied he rented the movies. His father, police said, did not want him to return to the apartment. The police were not able to get witness statements from other family members who witnessed the altercation.

Pontes was given a date to appear in District Court to face the charge. His arrest does not indicate a conviction.