Man Allegedly Climbs Through Window, Beats City Woman

Newport police charged a 37-year-old Newport man with domestic breaking and entering and domestic simple assault after he allegedly beat a woman after climbing into her apartment through a window Tuesday night.

Police said they used a TASER to subdue Victor Manuel Santiago, no address specified, after the first officer on scene had to kick down a door to get inside the apartment.

Police were called at shortly after 8 p.m. for a report of a man climbing through a window and a woman screaming for help.

An officer got to the scene within one minute, and after forcing open the door, saw the woman trying to run into a bedroom and Santiago lunging for her at the top of the stairs.

The officer fired the TASER and was eventually able to get Santiago in handcuffs with the help of backup officers who arrived moments later.

The victim told police that she and Santiago had a relationship but had been separated for several months. She said Santiago showed up that night and appeared intoxicated, refusing to leave when asked.

He then broke the window, she said, climbed in and she managed to run outside. But Santiago allegedly grabbed her by the hair and face and dragged her back inside, locking the door.

Police said a no-trespass order was in effect, barring Santiago from being at the apartment before the incident on Tuesday night.

Santiago reportedly was combative towards officers and attempted to escape while being escorted away from Newport Hospital where he was brought after his arrest to have the TASER pins removed.

In addition to the domestic charges, Santiago was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

He was held overnight and was due to be arraigned on Wednesday.