Crime & Safety

Man Puts Up Dukes, Fitted for Handcuffs

A Johnston man faces a disorderly conduct charge after police say he challenged an officer to a fight.

A George Waterman resident is serving six month's probation after Johnston Police say he threatened an officer.

Ptlm. James Provuncher reported that he and Sgt. Michael J. Babbitt went to Silvio's Restaurant on Aug. 16 at about 5:15 p.m. in response to a call about an apparently drunk man in the area.

The officers found Ronald Cotoia Jr. walking on Greenville Avenue, and Provuncher said he smelled alcohol on Cotoia when they stopped him for questioning.

Provuncher also wrote that Cotoia "had a difficult time standing up straight," and said he'd "been drinking throughout the day."

When the officers suggested that they'd get him help to get back to his residence, Provuncher reported that Cotoia responded: "F— that, I just want to go home," and, according to Provuncher's report, "continued to yell and cause a scene."

When Provuncher asked him to lower his voice, Cotoia "raised both of his fists" to Babbitt and asked him "Wanna go?"

The officers arrested Cotoia, booked him at the station, and released him to fire personnel, who took him for detox.

At an Aug. 28 arraignment, Cotoia pleaded no contest to the charge. Judge Terence Houlihan sentenced Cotoia to six months' probation and a six-month suspended sentence, plus $93.50 in court costs.

Cotoia is next due in court for an ability to pay hearing on Nov. 20.


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