Newport Man Charged for Blocking Road, Smashing Car Window

Newport police charged a 21-year-old Newport man with vandalism and disorderly conduct late Sunday night after he allegedly smashed the window of a Tiverton man’s car.

Police said Roderick Q. Baptiste Jr., of 19 Meeting St., was standing in the middle of Marlborough Street with two other people when the Tiverton man approached.

When Baptiste and his friends refused to move, the Tiverton man beeped, which reportedly enraged Baptiste, who stood in front of the car in an attempt to scare the driver, according to a police report.

Baptiste allegedly followed the victim as he parked his car near the Jail House Inn and then smashed the window after the victim had left the area.

The victim, 21, told police that Baptiste threatened to beat him up as he got out of his car but no fight occurred.

Police tracked down Baptiste to a Meeting Street apartment after a witness said he was seen running into the apartment building.

While being taken into custody, Baptiste asked if it was for vandalism.

“I told him he was indeed,” Officer Patrick Walsh said in a police report.

Baptiste was held overnight for arraignment Monday.

Police said a juvenile who was also involved was similarly arrested. That case will be adjudicated in Family Court.