Hours after Public Defecation Arrest, Newport Man Arrested Again

Newport police arrested the same man twice in one day on Sunday after he allegedly defecated in front of the Stop and Shop at RK Town Center and later assaulted a pregnant woman at a city apartment.

Police said David John Vandermyde, 45, was seen in the supermarket parking lot checking the door handles to parked cars, apparently in an effort to find an unlocked vehicle at around 9:20 a.m.

Vandermyde then reportedly leaned against a pole and relieved himself by the entrance to the store, much to the horror of witnesses.

Police said they found a bottle of Listerine in his pocket and he appeared intoxicated, apparently from drinking the mouthwash.

He was taken into custody and charged with defecating in public and tampering with vehicles and released at around 2:11 p.m. with a court summons.

About five-and-a-half hours later, police were dispatched to a Maple Avenue address for a report of an assault and found Vandermyde, who allegedly assaulted a woman who is sixth months pregnant.

The victim told police she wanted Vandermyde out of the apartment and he became completely unresponsive as they were taking him into custody.

Police called for an ambulance and he was taken to Newport Hospital for evaluation, according to a police report.

Vandermyde is due to appear in Second Division District Court on Nov. 26 for arraignment on the domestic simple assault charge.

He was later released on personal recognizance. A no-contact order was issued.