Two Cited for Drinking in Park, Man Pees on Tree

NEWPORT, RI—Two people were charged with public drinking Thursday for allegedly consuming alcohol at the Edward Street playground in the afternoon.

Police said Rosa Julia Kuiee, 51, of 654 Elmwood Ave., Providence, and Scott Allen Herrmann, 57, of no permanent address, were caught drinking while sitting in the park at around 3:15 p.m.

The responding officer reported that Kuiee had a clear bottle full of vodka. She reportedly put a cap on it and put it on the ground when she noticed the officer. She also slid a can of beer a few inches away on the table.

Hermann was standing a few feet away from the tables, urinating on a tree "in plain view of passersby and vehicles," according to the report.

Kuiee reportedly told Hermann that "the cops are right behind you," to which he swore and began to express "his disappointment with the lack of public restrooms in the playground."

When the officer said the park was not the place to consume alcohol, he reportedly said "[expletive] you, I'm finishing my beer," grabbed the beer and finished it.

Both were cited for public drinking and Hermann was cited for public urination. Both are due to appear in court on Oct. 17.

Also on Thursday, Larry J. Kieffer, 57, 19 Shimoda Way, Newport, was charged with domestic failure to release a telephone and domestic simple assault, third offense. a felony, at around 9 p.m. Police said Kieffer allegedly hit a woman several times and took the phone from her as she tried to call 911 at around 9:03 p.m.

He was held overnight for arraignment Friday.