Newport Parking Enforcement Employee Attacked: Cops

NEWPORT, RI — A civilian parking enforcement employee was attacked in downtown Newport, police said.

The employee was "approached by an individual who became irate over a parking matter," the Newport police said in a media release.

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"The situation escalated when the suspect physically assaulted the employee," the release said. "Officers from the Newport Police Department responded quickly and took the suspect into custody. The individual has since been charged with Simple Assault and Disorderly Conduct."

The incident occurred "earlier this week," the release said.

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Newport Police Chief Ryan Duffy called the incident "unacceptable."

"I want to be clear, physically assaulting any city employee — regardless of the circumstances — is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated," Duffy said in the release

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" Our civilian staff members are here to serve the community, enforce city ordinances, and help maintain the fairness and efficiency that residents, businesses, and visitors of Newport expect and deserve," Duffy said.

The employee was not seriously injured and did not require medical attention, according to the release.

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