Crime & Safety

Suspect in Brutal Attack on Newport Man is Identified

Police are attempting to locate Freddie Hicks for allegedly attacking and severely injuring Kyle Kettner last week.

NEWPORT, RI—Police have identified a suspect in connection with the brutal beating of a city man Jan. 18 that sent him to the hospital in a coma.

Freddie Hicks, 25, is being sought by police for the assault and anyone with information is asked to call police immediately at 401-847-1306.

Hicks allegedly attacked 28-year-old Kyle Kettner as he walked with a friend on Bliss Road in the early morning hours.

Find out what's happening in Newportfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Kettner suffered severe head injuries and lay in a coma for days as he fought for his life.

Family members established a GoFundMe in an effort to help offset the mounting medical costs Kettner, who has no medical insurance, will encounter.

Find out what's happening in Newportfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

On Sunday, the latest update indicated that Kettner is slowly recovering, though he has a long road ahead.

“He’s waking up more talking telling people to ‘shut up.’ He’s trying to get out of bed. The Dr.’s are thinking of pulling out his tubes tomorrow and possibly starting physical therapy,” wrote Jodie Morinho.

The attack caused severe head trauma and swelling and bleeding on the brain.

Kettner is also the father of a little boy who is counting on him to get better.

A direct link to the GoFundMe is below:


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