Man Charged for Assaulting Cop during Domestic Investigation

NEWPORT, RI—A 27-year-old Middletown man was charged with simple assault and domestic disorderly conduct Wednesday night after he allegedly struck a police officer responding to a disturbance report.

According to a police report, Shawn M. Carter, of 24 Ludlaw Road, Middletown, hit the officer as he was being pat-down moments after he handed a newborn baby over to the mother.

Police said Carter was holding the baby after they forced entry into the apartment with guns drawn. He allegedly yelled at police to get out of the apartment.

Police were dispatched at around 10 p.m. after a report of what sounded like a violent argument inside the unit.

Housing management officials told police that the loud argument included what sounded like threats and the concern was heightened by the fact that a newborn infant was in the apartment.

Out of concern for the safety of the child and mother, police forced their way in.

Carter reportedly was holding the baby and his hands were concealed under the child and his sweatshirt.

Carter reportedly was “violently swearing and screaming obscenities” and continued to do so as he made his way down a staircase.

Police had Carter hand the baby to the mother moments before the scuffle and he was eventually taken into custody after a brief struggle.

According to the investigation, Carter and the mother got involved in an argument during which he knocked over several items including a DVD player. While en route to police headquarters, he reportedly told police “we got into a heated argument” and “so what, I kicked over the DVD player.”

Carter was held overnight for arraignment and later released on $1,000 personal recognizance. He is due to return to court Jan. 6.

Other arrests reported by Newport police:

Arnesto Lamont Sullivan, 34, of no permanant address, charged with felony domestic disorderly conduct, third offense; and violating a no contact order Dec. 31 at 1:09 a.m.

Gary Jenkins, 59, of 20 Chapel St., Newport, charged with violating a protective order, a felony, Dec. 30 at 4:27 p.m.