Man With Gun Allegedly Altered Serial Number

Newport police said a man who threw a gun into the bushes Friday, did not have a license to possess the 9 mm gun and the serial number was altered.  

Monzell Coley, 20, of 26 Heath Street, is under investigation for a possible connection to gun shots on Cranston Street last Thursday. No injuries were reported. 

After an altercation Friday morning, police reportedly chased Coley on foot and watched him throw throw a loaded, .9 mm gun. He was charged with license required for requiring a handgun and altering the identification of a firearm. 

Perry Xavier, 19, of 12 Champlin Street Apt. #2, was with Coley, but police said he did not have a gun. He was charged with an active warrant for failure to appear to district court.

Police said they are waiting for analysis to determine if the gun matches casings found on Cranston Street. Police declined to comment if the arrest was related to a knife fight last Wednesday.   

Coley was arrested by Rhode Island State Police in July for disorderly conduct.  Coley was previously arrested by Newport police in May 2011 on a felony drug charge and for resisting arrest.  Central Falls police arrested Coley in August 2011 on charges of disorderly conduct, obstructing a police officer and resisting arrest.  

The case is currently under investigation. Patch will provide details as they are made available.