Fight at Gas Lamp Grille on Thames Street

NEWPORT, RI—Eric J. Janson, 23, of Newport, was charged with two counts of Simple Assault and Battery and one count of Disorderly Conduct in connection with a Friday morning fight at the Gas Lamp Grille.

According to the arrest report, police saw a bouncer and Janson battling around 1 a.m. They pulled them apart, and the door man told police Janson had punched him in the mouth.

Janson said he was jumped from behind by Salve students, and the students broke a bottle over him, but police said he changed his story later . They also could not find a broken bottle as evidence. He did have cuts on his hands, however.

Another witness said Janson was drinking and "hit on" his friend's girl friend. His friend told Janson she was unavailable. Janson allegedly punched him.

A third witness said he tried to step in and be a peacemaker, and Janson punched him. Police arrested Janson at 1:30 a.m. and took him to a cell at the police station.