Couple's Fight Ends with One Arrest

NEWPORT, RI — A Newport man was arrested at his home on Jan. 26 at 1:15 a.m. after a fight with his girl friend allegedly turned physical.

Police said Michael E. Dugan, 57, was standing outside his home and holding a broken clothes hanger when officers arrived. He told police his girl friend hit him in the face with the hanger, but the girl friend claimed he pushed her into the closet during an argument. She struck her head. Then when she attempted to leave, he pushed her down the front stairs and yelled and screamed at her.

Dugan was charged with domestic simple assault and battery and with domestic disorderly conduct, police said. The charges are allegations, and a suspect is entitled to a fair trial and is considered innocent until proven guilty.