Crime & Safety

Newport Police Log: Axe Assault and Check Fraud

The following is based on reports from the Newport Police Department. An arrest does not indicate a conviction.


A Providence man was charged with simple assault, obstructing an officer and check fraud on Wednesday after attempting to buy clothes at the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Laura Jean Denim.

According to a Hall of Fame employee, David W. Powell, 24, of 85 Misquamicut St., Providence, attempted to purchase $233 of clothing with a bad check. According to the bank, the account was closed.

When he was told he could not make the purchase he left the store and went to Laura Jean Denim.

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Powell left his ACI discharge card behind.

Reports said at the second store, Powell sprayed Axe body spray in an employee’s face several times, climbed on a display shelf which caused it to break, and attempted to buy clothes again. 

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Police stopped Powell while on a RIPTA bus, where he reportedly told them a false birth date and name, reports said. He eventually gave them the correct information.

The above reports detail arrests made by the Newport Police Department. Descriptions of all events are based solely on police officer reports provided to Patch. 


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