New documents show what Narragansett police claim led to knocking out URI student
NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WPRI) — After dramatic body-worn camera footage showed the moments when Narragansett police attempted to break up a party in the Bonnet Shores neighborhood on Sept. 6, court records recount what police said they witnessed that night.
The incident on Leonard Bodwell Road led to one officer getting hurt, two URI students being charged with misdemeanors, and one of those students losing consciousness after an altercation with officers.
The documents show that police claimed they knocked 21-year-old Cody Calkins to the ground because he tried to grab an officer's gun.
However, the R.I. Attorney General's Office told Target 12 the felony charge associated with that was dropped at the request of Narragansett police, due to insufficient evidence.
WATCH: Bodycam footage shows URI students assaulting officers
In his police report, Sgt. Christopher Riley said it all stated when he asked for the ID of a "young-looking female clenching onto a can" that appeared to be alcohol.
Riley said that's when 20-year-old Jake Dignam told police to stop talking to her and shoved the officer.
According to the report, Riley said he was pushed to the ground twice, causing cuts to his knees and elbow.
Cody Calkins in court
Patrolman Kenneth Court wrote in his report that he saw Calkins pull Riley to the ground. Court said he then grabbed Calkins and tried to arrest him, but "Calkins resisted and [they] fell to the street."
Court said Calkins then "grabbed hold of the grip of [his] holstered department issued pistol."
According to Court's narrative, he swung his flashlight multiple times at Calkins' hand and told Calkins to "let go of [his] gun or [he] would strike him in the head."
Court wrote he then hit Calkins in the torso, causing the student to fall to the ground, unresponsive.
Police called for a rescue and Calkins was taken to South County Hospital.
BACKGROUND: 2 URI students accused of assaulting police officers at Narragansett house party
On Tuesday, Calkins pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges, including assault. He was released on personal recognizance.
"Mr. Calkins is an excellent student who greatly enjoys his enrollment at the University of Rhode Island. We are going to let the judicial process run its course,” his attorney, Brendan Horan, said in a statement to 12 News.
Dignam is scheduled to be arraigned on misdemeanor charges on Sept. 24.
Kate Wilkinson ([email protected]) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.
Close
Thanks for signing up!
Watch for us in your inbox.
Subscribe Now
Daily Roundup
SIGN UP NOW
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings