Middletown Arrests: Two Fights at MHS, DUI

Four students were arrested on Wednesday, April 11, on disorderly conduct charges.  he arrests were made after two physical altercations allegedly broke out between students.

The first arrests were made around 7:45 a.m. when high school staff called to report a fight between two young men, one 15-year-old and one 16-year-old.

The situation allegedly began at the bus stop earlier that morning when the 16-year-old was approached by the 15-year-old’s father.

“Go touch my son again, and see what happens,” the father reportedly said. According to the report, he was referring to a fight that had occurred between the teenagers the day prior. He then swore at the student.  

Once at school, one of the boys confronted the other student outside of the cafeteria.

According to witnesses, a fight broke out that staff was unable to break up and both students were equally combative. When police arrived, the 16-year-old allegedly ran from the cafeteria towards the main office and ignored police commands to stop.

Police caught up to him and brought him to the ground using his momentum, forcing him to the prone position.   

Two hours later, police returned to the high school to respond to another student altercation. This time the fight was between two female students, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old.

They were arrested around 9:45 a.m. on disorderly conduct charges.  

One of the girls was allegedly talking to another student in the hallway, when the other student stopped and asked her what she was talking about and swore at the student.

The two students started a verbal altercation, and then reportedly dropped their bags to prepare to fight. The girls then engaged in a physical altercation.

Police reported staff who attempted to break up the fight incurred minor injuries.  

A combination of students and teachers reportedly broke up the fight. Police arrested the girls and later released them to their mothers.

Driving Under The Influence

Michael Rodrigues, 21, of 39 John Duggan Rd, Tiverton, was arrested Friday, April 13, at approximately 2:05 a.m. on a driving under the influence charge. The 21-year-old was also cited for refusal to submit to a chemical test.

Police said they stopped Rodrigues because his vehicle was swerving across the road. The arresting officer reported a strong odor of alcohol and moderately slurred speech. Rodrigues reportedly told the officer he had been at Billy Goode’s Tavern in Newport, and had two shots and three beers.

Police reported Rodrigues failed the field sobriety tests and was transported to the Middletown Police Department without incident.

A search of the vehicle turned up several empty and partially full bottles of beer.