Suspended Wyatt Correctional Officer Thomas Woodworth Resigns

CENTRAL FALLS, RI — Wyatt Detention Center Correctional Officer Captain Thomas Woodworth has resigned, one day after being placed on leave during an attorney general's investigation into why a black pickup truck was driven into a line of protestors overnight Wednesday. The prison issued a statement saying Woodworth resigned Friday and that Wyatt is conducting an internal investigation into how staff handled the protest.

"Captain Thomas Woodworth resigned from his position at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility on Friday, August 16, 2019. The incident which occurred on August 14 remains under active investigation by the Rhode Island State Police and under internal investigation by the Wyatt," the Wyatt statement said.

The seemingly peaceful protest took a chaotic turn at the Wyatt Detention Facility when a black pickup truck drove into the group of about 100 blocking the entrance to the building and pepper spray was dispersed. The protesters were from the group "Never Again Action" and were demonstrating against an agreement with the prison and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to house detainees at the Rhode Island facility.

According to "Never Again Action" five people were taken to the hospital for treatment, including two hit by the truck. One person sustained serious injuries.

Aaron Regunberg, a former state representative and activist who was at the protest, called the actions behind the wheel of the pickup truck "a violent act" and said he was surprised no arrests were made that night.

Gov. Gina Raimondo and other state officials issued statements on Thursday condemning the response and supporting the right of peaceful protest in the state.