Crime & Safety

7 People Arrested After Fight On Block Island Ferry

Two people were taken to the hospital after a fight on a Block Island ferry forced police to jump onto the moving boat to break it up.

State Police said they, along with Narragansett, North Kingstown and South Kingstown police, were called to the ferry making its way from Block Island to Point Judith in Narragansett, around 9:35 p.m.​
State Police said they, along with Narragansett, North Kingstown and South Kingstown police, were called to the ferry making its way from Block Island to Point Judith in Narragansett, around 9:35 p.m.​ (Rachel Nunes/Patch)

NARRAGANSETT, RI — A fight on board a Block Island ferry Monday night spawned a large police response, injured two people and led to seven on board getting arrested, Rhode Island State Police said.

Video from witnesses showed police leaping from a transport boat onto the moving ferry and boarding the boat with their guns drawn.

State Police said they, along with Narragansett, North Kingstown and South Kingstown police, were called to the ferry making its way from Block Island to Point Judith in Narragansett, around 9:35 p.m.

Find out what's happening in Narragansett-South Kingstownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Witnesses told Channel 3 the ferry was packed because of a reggae festival on Block Island, and a large fight broke out between two groups of people.

"In coordination with local EMS, members of law enforcement boarded the ferry, secured the scene, and arrested 7 individuals," a Rhode Island State Police spokesperson said in a statement. "Two people were injured and were transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The investigation is ongoing."

Find out what's happening in Narragansett-South Kingstownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

State Police said the seven people arrested were taken to the Wickford Barracks, were arraigned in front of a justice of the peace and have been released pending court dates in Fourth District Court in South Kingstown.

Those arrested included:

  • Michael Carvalho, 26, of Providence, was charged with disorderly conduct (fighting/tumultuous behavior)
  • Laurie Cassandra, 30, of Providence, was charged with obstructing an officer in the execution of duty
  • Chevron Towns, 20, of Providence, was charged with weapons other than firearms prohibited
  • Trent Manning, 32, of Providence, was charged with disorderly conduct (fighting/tumultuous behavior)
  • Deavon Silva, 20, of Pawtucket, was charged with disorderly conduct (fighting/tumultuous behavior)
  • Miguel Silva, 26, of Pawtucket, was charged with disorderly conduct (fighting/tumultuous behavior).


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