Massachusetts man, Rhode Island restaurant owner, wanted on sexual assault, arrested by New York, New Jersey police trying to board flight

A Massachusetts man and restaurant owner is facing disturbing charges after trying to board a flight.

According to Cumberland Police, on July 11^th, 27-year-old Assad Awan of East Longmeadow, MA and part-owner of Anis Pizza and Seafood at 1182 High Street in Cumberland, was arrested as he attempted to board an international flight at JFK International Airport.

Awan was wanted on a Cumberland Police Department arrest warrant for two counts of 1^st degree domestic sexual assault, two counts of domestic assault by strangulation, two counts of domestic simple assault/battery and two counts of domestic disorderly conduct.

Police stated that this was not a random act, as the victim was personally known by Awan and was a juvenile at the time of the alleged criminal conduct earlier this year.

Awan was captured at JFK International Airport by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police on July 11^th and returned to Rhode Island over this past weekend by the RI Division of Sheriffs. Awan was arraigned and, after his initial court appearance this past Monday, is being held without bail at the ACI on the Cumberland charges.

Cumberland Police Chief Matthew Benson noted, “We are incredibly thankful for the collaborative efforts of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force (VFTF) and the excellent work of the Detectives and assisting patrol units for the Cumberland Police. The outcome of this investigation produced the safe and timely apprehension of an individual believed to be responsible for vile and despicable criminal conduct with a juvenile. We are also grateful for the courage and fortitude of the victim in this case to come forward and report this situation, so this individual is not able to do this to anyone else, ever again.”