Police Arrest Two Friends at Bar, One Allegedly Spits On and Bites Officers

A night out for two friends did not end up as they probably expected - both in jail.

On Friday, Jan. 3., around 8:13 p.m., the bartender at KJs Pub called the Middletown Police Department to complain that a customer, later identified as Charles Carpenter, 62, of 7 Marchant St., Newport, was threatening customers and refusing to pay his bill.

When police arrived and talked to Carpenter, Frederick Baillargeron, 52, of 46 Harvey Rd. Middletown, came up behind the officer and yelled that he was speaking to his friend.   Despite orders to step away, Baillargeron reportedly refused, tensed up and took heavy breaths.  The officer called for back-up and drew his taser.  When backup arrived, they were able to arrest Baillargeron and bring him to the Middletown Police Station.

Police put Carpenter in a cruiser for detention while they investigated further.

Witnesses said Carpenter had left the bar without paying his tab and Baillargeron called him back to pay.  Carpenter allegedly opened the door so fast that it struck a female customer in the face, swore at the bar and then grabbed another customer, which started a small fight.  

Police told Carpenter about the outstanding tab of $34. He authorized police to take out $40 and pay his tab and tip.

Police charged Carpenter with disorderly conduct.  

Back at the station, police said Baillargeron was unresponsive on the floor of his holding cell. The Middletown Fire Department responded for medical treatment and Baillargeron allegedly kicked, punched and tried to spit on emergency personnel, said police.   

At Newport Hospital, he returned to an unresponsive state, so hospital staff cut and removed his clothing to place him in a gown, said police.   He then woke up in a fury and tried to spit on the nurses and officers, reported police.   He also allegedly bit an officer in the forearm as police tried to restrain him.

When doctor entered, Baillargeron reportedly said he had been faking it and did not require treatment.  The doctor said he would have to cover himself up before he left the hospital.  At this point, Baillargeron was completely naked, said police.  

He allegedly resisted handcuffs and yelled “help me!” as police dragged him to the cruiser.  Police drew a taser and said he would be delivered a stun if he did not get into the cruiser.  He finally complied and sat down. 

Back at the station, he was placed in a holding cell until morning, at which point he was processed without incident. Baillargeron was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and obstructing an officer.