Newport police arrested a second Rogers High School student Saturday in connection with the locker room assault of a special needs student, authorities announced.
The 16-year-old male was charged with assault against the same victim involved in Friday’s arrest, according to Capt. Joseph C. Carroll.
Police arrested the first suspect, also a 16-year-old male Rogers High School student, on Friday. Investigators determined that suspect assaulted the victim on two separate occasions and charged him with two counts of felony assault on persons with severe impairments.
The arrests stem from an incident captured on video in the boys locker room. Newport Public Schools Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain said the district became aware of the video late Thursday evening showing what she called “unacceptable” behavior.
According to Jermain, there had been a practice of “roughhousing” and players hitting each other before football games, but one player “took this to an extreme level that is entirely unacceptable.”
The district ended the Rogers High School football season immediately Friday and cancelled a junior varsity scrimmage that had been scheduled for Thanksgiving Day.
Police reminded the public that Rhode Island law prohibits the department from releasing juvenile names, detailed arrest reports or specific court information.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Police urged anyone with information to contact Detective Caitlin Poplawski at 401-845-5772 or cpoplawski@newportri.gov.
Rogers High School football season ended after locker room assault
Teen arrested in Rogers High School assault on special needs student
