Crime & Safety
Hicks, Suspect in Jan. Brutal Newport Assault, Turns Himself In
Freddie Hicks will be arraigned on Thursday in Newport County District Court. He has been wanted since the Jan. 18 assault of Kyle Kettner.
NEWPORT, RI—A man sought by Newport police in connection with the brutal beating of a 28-year-old Newport man in January is in police custody.
Freddie Hicks, 25, turned himself in to police this morning accompanied by his lawyer at 7:15 a.m., according to Sgt. Jonathan Cortes of Newport police.
Hicks allegedly attacked Kyle Kettner as he walked with a friend on Bliss Road in the early morning hours of Jan. 15.
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Kettner was hospitalized with severe head injuries and was in a coma for days as he fought for his life. Family members established a GoFundMe in an effort to help offset his medical costs.
Hicks was arraigned later Thursday in Second Division District Court on a felony assault charge. He entered no plea, which is customary for felony arraignments in District Court, and bail was set at $20,000 with surety.
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Hicks is due to return to court on April 28 for an attorney general screening conference.
A no-contact order was also filed.
This story was updated at 1:03 p.m.
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