Police arrested nine people and deployed pepper spray Tuesday afternoon after a gathering of approximately 1,200 high school-aged individuals at Sachuest (Second) Beach turned disorderly, the Middletown Police Department said.
A Newport police officer assisting with the response was struck by a vehicle in the parking lot during the dispersal and was transported to Newport Hospital. The driver later admitted to operating under the influence of alcohol, police said.
Middletown police became aware of the gathering near the main pavilion at about 12:45 p.m. Officers responded, established a visible presence and began monitoring the crowd’s behavior.
At about 2:20 p.m., two officers observed a man acting disorderly toward others in the group and took him into custody. A second man then assaulted the officers, according to the department’s release, causing the crowd to become increasingly disorderly and aggressive while encircling the officers as they attempted to escort the two individuals off the beach. After multiple people refused repeated commands to disperse, officers deployed pepper spray to create distance and restore control of the situation.
A total of 16 Middletown police officers and 20 Newport police officers responded to assist with dispersing the crowd. Several individuals were arrested in the parking lot for disorderly conduct and obstructing officers after refusing to leave the area.
Two suspects were treated at Newport Hospital for exposure to pepper spray. The injured Newport officer was transported to Newport Hospital by the Middletown Fire Department.
Police identified five adult suspects. Ronan Pinkham, 18, of Medway, Massachusetts, was charged with felony assault and first-offense DUI. Gabriela Ruiz, 18, of Fall River, Massachusetts, was charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing an officer in the execution of duty. Sofia Flynn, 18, of Fall River, was charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct and obstructing an officer. Christian Cautilli, 18, of Medway, was charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing an officer. Januel Medina, 19, of Fall River, was charged with disorderly conduct.
Four juveniles, all 17 and from Fall River, were also charged. Two males face counts of simple assault, disorderly conduct and obstructing an officer. Two females face counts of disorderly conduct and obstructing an officer.
“The Middletown Police Department would like to remind the public that Sachuest Beach is intended to be a safe and family-friendly environment,” the department said in its release. “The Department will not tolerate large gatherings engaging in unsafe, disruptive, or unlawful behavior that jeopardizes public safety.”
