Cranston Man Sentenced For Assaulting Father And Son Business Owners

CRANSTON, RI — A Cranston man was sentenced earlier this month to state prison after prosecutors proved he assaulted a father and son who own a business together in 2018.

On Oct. 12, Superior Court Justice Joseph Montalbano sentenced Willard Whiting, 50, to five years in prison and 15 years of probation. Montalbano also ordered the defendant to have no contact with the victims and to complete anger management counseling.

On July 6, a Providence County Superior Court jury found Whiting 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.

"The severity of this sentence reflects the severity of the violence committed by the defendant," Attorney General Peter Neronha said. "One of the victims needed intensive rehabilitation for his injuries and the other victim is over the age of 60, therefore making this a case of elder abuse. This sentence sends a strong message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in Rhode Island."

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.

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 diligently works to keep our communities safe from violence and hold accountable those who perpetrate these offenses," Cranston Police Chief Michael Winquist said. "The victims’ injuries in this case were substantial, and in the case of one of the victims, permanent. This attack was completely unprovoked on citizens, only seeking to help a motorist."

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