Newport police arrested two more Rogers High School students Monday in connection with the assault of a special needs student, bringing the total number of arrests to four.
A 17-year-old male and a 14-year-old male were both arrested Monday and charged with assault against the same victim, according to Capt. Joseph C. Carroll.
The arrests follow those of two 16-year-old male students. The first was arrested Friday and charged with two counts of felony assault on persons with severe impairments after investigators determined he assaulted the victim on two separate occasions. The second was arrested Saturday and charged with assault.
The incident, captured on video in the boys locker room, prompted the Newport School Committee to schedule an executive session Wednesday to consider hiring an independent investigator to conduct a comprehensive review.
School Committee Chair James Dring said the committee is “deeply troubled” by the reports and wants to restore trust through a transparent investigation.
Mayor and City Council Chair Charles M. Holder said the council “fully support(s) the School Committee’s decision to hire an independent investigator.”
Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain said the district became aware late Nov. 20 of a video showing what she called “unacceptable” behavior.
The district ended the football season immediately and cancelled a junior varsity scrimmage that had been scheduled for Thanksgiving Day.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Police urged anyone with information to contact Detective Caitlin Poplawski at 401-845-5772 or cpoplawski@newportri.gov.
