Providence police officer running for office arrested after allegedly assaulting opponent at abortion rally; two others also arrested

According to Rhode Island State Police, on Friday, the Rhode Island State Police and Providence Police Department were present at the State House for a planned demonstration in response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe V. Wade.

“We appreciate the work of our Troopers and the Providence Police who maintained order at this peaceful demonstration,” said Colonel Darnell S. Weaver.

Following the demonstration, the Rhode Island State Police and Providence Police Department received complaints of physical assaults that occurred during the demonstration. As the result of a joint investigation between the two agencies, a Providence Police Patrolman, identified as Jeann Lugo, age 35, was arrested on a State Police affidavit and arrest warrant on the charges of simple assault and disorderly conduct.

Lugo, who was off duty at the time of the alleged assault, turned himself into the Lincoln Woods Barracks where he was arraigned in front of a Justice of the Peace and released on personal recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in Sixth District Court on July 8, 2022 for a re-arraignment.

I'm a reproductive rights organizer & State Senate candidate. Last night, after speaking at our Roe rally, my Republican opponent – a police officer – violently attacked me.

This is what it is to be a Black woman running for office. I won't give up.pic.twitter.com/ZREDP2dvXY

— Jennifer Rourke (@JenRourke29) June 25, 2022

Jennifer Rourke is a candidate for Rhode Island State Senate in the 29th district. Lugo announced this week that he is running for that seat as a republican.

According to Providence Police, Lugo has served for 3 years and has been placed on administrative leave with pay this morning, pending a criminal investigation and administrative review.

There were two additional arrests made at Friday evening’s demonstration:

· Jessica Burton, age 39, of Warwick, Rhode Island, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct. Burton was transported to the Lincoln Woods Barracks, processed, and held overnight pending morning arraignment.

· Nicholas Morrell, age 31, of Warwick, Rhode Island, for Disorderly Conduct, Weapons Other than Firearms, and Resisting Arrest. Morrell was transported to the Lincoln Woods Barracks, processed, and held overnight pending morning arraignment.

Additional incidents from the demonstration remain under investigation.

“We want to thank the members of the public who have come forward to report these incidents we encourage anyone who has additional information to contact the police.” said Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Chief of Police for the City of Providence.