Man Found Lying on Floor Fights Woonsocket Police Responding to Disturbance

Woonsocket Police were called to 127 Chester St. June 29 at about 4 a.m. for a report of two men fighting, one of whom had broken a window at the apartment building.

Patrolman Zachary Bienkiewicz, officers Jesse Nunnemacher  and  James Cote arrived at the address and found a broken hallway window and blood and broken glass in the front stairway, according to the police report. 

A tenant told the officers the third-floor tenants had been arguing, including a fight between the husband and another man. The officers climbed the stairs to the apartment and knocked loudly, announcing themselves several times, but no one answered the door.

Lt. Edward Cunanan arrived on the scene and authorized using force to enter the apartment based on the evidence of an injury and the possibility that someone might need medical attention inside. Bienkiewicz kicked the door twice, forcing it open. 

Inside the apartment, in front of the door, the officers found a man, later identified as William Greene, 43, who lives at the address, lying on the floor. Cunanan placed his foot lightly on Greene's back as a safety measure while the other officers checked the rest of the apartment, according to his report. 

When Cunanan's foot touched Greene, he turned and punched the officer three times in the leg and hip before Cunanan was able to force him back to the floor with his knee, pinning him there while the other officers continued to check the apartment for threats. 

Cunanan left Greene with Biekiewicz and Cote to help check the apartment,  where the officers found a woman and two children, but no other man. He returned to the entrance to find the officers struggling with Greene, who ignored orders to stop resisting.

Cunanan helped the officers handcuff Greene, who moved his head toward Cunanan's hand as if to bite him. Cunanan responded by punching him once above his left eye, causing a small cut and giving the officers time to handcuff Greene. The man struggled as they escorted him down a narrow flight of stairs, placing Bienkiewicz in danger, according to Cunanan's report.

Greene was transported to the Woonsocket Police station where he received first aid, then was transported to Landmark Medical Center for treatment for the cut. He was charged with simple assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.