Portsmouth Officer Charged with Domestic

PORTSMOUTH, RI — State police on Thursday arrested a Portsmouth police officer. George L. Grassi, 48, of Newport, was charged with domestic assault and battery. According to state police spokeswoman Laura Meade Kirk, "he was arraigned that day in Third District Court and released on personal recognizance, pending further court action."

The victim is a 37-year-old Newport woman, police allege. She was treated at Newport Hospital for minor injuries.

"The arrest stemmed from an incident that occurred earlier that day on Route 95, during a ride from Providence to Newport," state police said.

Portsmouth police Det. Lt. Alberto J. Bucci referred questions to state police.

"This matter is being investigated by RISP and as a result, any questions regarding the arrest / case should be directed to them," he wrote in an e-mail message.