Charity Backfires: Homeless Woman Charged After Alleged Assault

NEWPORT, RI — Kassandra C. Winters, 31, is being charged with Disorderly Conduct and Simple Assault or Battery after police were called to a Pond Avenue apartment on Sunday night. According to the arrest report, a caller complained about an assault and accused Winters. Police went to the apartment. The alleged victim said she did not want to press charges. She said she had invited Winters to stay over in her home because she felt sorry for Winters, who is homeless.

However, the victim also invited a couple over to visit. While they were there, Winters went outside to smoke a cigarette. But one of the guests objected to the cigarette and went outside to tell Winters she was smoking too close to the building. An argument started and continued inside. There was a scuffle inside the apartment. The victim alleged she was shoved. Police charged Winters with two misdemeanors.