Cranston Man Convicted Of Assaulting Father And Son Business Owners

CRANSTON, RI — A Cranston man was convicted after assaulting a father and son who own a business together in 2018, Attorney General Peter Neronha said Monday.

On Thursday, following an eight-day trial, a Providence County Superior Court jury found Willard Whiting, 50, guilty of felony assault resulting in serious bodily injury and felony assault of a person over 60.

State prosecutors proved that on July 22, 2018, Whiting assaulted the two co-owners of Cranston Collision near the business on Walnut Grove Avenue.

According to prosecutors, the victims witnessed Whiting harassing a woman and yelling at her to get on his motorcycle. The father and son went to check on the woman's well-being. Then, Whiting got off his motorcycle and struck both men, knocking them to the ground, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said Whiting continued attacking the victims while they were on the ground before driving away on his motorcycle.

Emergency officials brought both victims to Kent Hospital in Warwick. Prosecutors said the son required surgery because of serious injuries to his head and face.

"Physical violence is always unacceptable, but the outlandish assault committed by the defendant against two good Samaritans is especially tough to stomach," Neronha said. "These two gentlemen tried to help someone they saw in distress and were met with serious injuries instead of praise."

Prosecutors said two witnesses came forward with corroborated statements given by the victims. One of the witnesses described the motorcycle to police dispatch, including the license plate number, which helped officers identify Whiting.

Investigators compiled a photo lineup, including Whiting, and prosecutors said one of the victims positively identified him as the attacker. Police then got a warrant, and Whiting turned himself in on July 23, 2018.

"The Cranston Police Department works tirelessly to keep our communities safe from senseless acts of violence such as this one and bring justice to those who perpetrate these offenses," Cranston Police Chief Michael Winquist said. "The victim received permanent and life-long lasting injuries as a result of this vicious and unprovoked attack, and we continue to wish him well."

Whiting's bail was set at $10,000 pending his sentencing hearing, which will be scheduled on a later date.

"The jury got this one right, and this verdict sends a clear message that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated in Rhode Island," Neronha said. "I am grateful to the Cranston Police Department for their outstanding work and partnership during the investigation and prosecution of this case."

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.