A violent clash in Newport has led to the arrest of four people after two police officers were injured Tuesday night.
The trouble started when police responded to a domestic violence call at the Festival Field Housing Development around 9:12 p.m. on April 29.
Officers identified Angel Cruz Martinez, 28, of Newport, as the suspect in the domestic violence case. When they tried to arrest him, Martinez allegedly fought back, punching and shoving the officers.
As the struggle unfolded, several onlookers reportedly joined in, attacking the officers. More police quickly arrived to stop the assault.
The two injured officers received treatment for minor injuries at Newport Hospital and have since been released.
Martinez now faces multiple charges. For the initial incident, he’s charged with domestic simple assault, domestic disorderly conduct, vandalism, and larceny. His alleged actions during the police confrontation have added charges of simple assault and resisting arrest.
Three others were also arrested:
- Jose Carreras, 39, of Newport: Charged with assaulting a police officer, simple assault, and disorderly conduct.
- Calvin Febles, 28, of Middletown: Charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing an officer.
- Jetsenia Luna Schmidt, 37, of Newport: Charged with disorderly conduct.
All four are set for arraignment in Newport District Court on April 30.
Newport Police Lieutenant Joseph C. Carroll, who serves as public information officer and community policing unit supervisor, says detectives are investigating the incident. He expects more arrests to follow.
Update: At 7:30 am on Thursday, May 1, the Newport Police Department provided the following update.
On April 30, 2025, 3 people were arrested in regards to the assault on 2 Newport Police Officers that took place on April, 29, 2025.
33-year-old Keyshla Cruz Martinez of Newport, 40-year-old Jose Cruz Ortiz of Newport and 27- year-old Mayra Custodio of Newport. All three were charged with Simple Assault, Obstruction of an Officers in the Execution of their Duty and Disorderly Conduct.