Police: Man Hit with Pipe for Rude Comment about Woman

Newport police charged 33-year-old Jason Nesta Gray, of 14 Fillmore St., Newport, with felony assault with a dangerous weapon Wednesday for allegedly hitting a man with a pipe.

Police said Gray was among a group of people who gathered outside a city apartment to wait for the victim, who they were angry with for allegedly insulting a woman at Hill Mart.

The victim told police that he lives in Providence but works in Newport and had come to the city to get ready for work. He admitted saying something at Hill Mart, but left and went to a friend’s apartment to shower and change.

When he came out, a group of people were waiting for him and he allegedly was struck several times by Gray with the pipe.

Gray told police that he was on his way home from work and was carrying the pipe because he used it for work.

He claimed he happened to come upon a dispute and claimed that the victim punched him in the face so he struck him with the pipe for self defense.

After an investigation, which is still ongoing, police arrested Gray for the felony assault charge.

He was released on $2,500 surety bail after his initial appearance in Second Division District Court.

He is due to return to court at a later date.