Bodycam, cellphone video shows officer punch woman in jaw after she appears to kick him in groin
By: Multiple people who were part of a wedding party were arrested following an incident in Rhode Island that included the assault of an officer.
Newly released police body-cam video showed the chaotic confrontation between Newport officers and wedding party members early Sunday morning. Police said the incident happened along Bowen’s Wharf.
Bodycam footage from The Newport Police Department shows a brawl involving at least one officer and six people from a wedding party outside a Rhode Island restaurant on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. (Video: Newport Police Department)
According to a Newport Police Department report obtained by WJAR, it started when security at The Landing restaurant denied entry to David Onik, of Barrington, after 1 a.m. because they were no longer letting people inside.
This upset Onik, the report said, and he allegedly pushed an employee. When restaurant security stepped in, the report said Onik allegedly punched a security guard.
Onik's friends and family led him away, but the police wanted to talk.
While officers were speaking with him, Onik's wife, Rachel, kept interrupting.
The report said when an officer tried to lead her away, Rachel “tripped on cobblestone,” which caused multiple women to get in the officer’s face.
Shortly after, the police report said Alexandra Flaherty, of Marshfield, Massachusetts, allegedly kicked the officer near his groin before he tried to restrain her.
Moments later, Robert Nash, also of Marshfield, hit the officer in the face, according to the report.
Two officers rushed in to get Nash off the downed cop, at which a separate officer said they felt, "somebody grabbing and pulling on my firearm," the report stated.
That's when the officer turned around and punched Rachel in the jaw. Police said she was trying to grab the officer's gun.
The report said Rachel was knocked unconscious, but eventually recovered.
Initially, police told WJAR five people were charged, but the media outlet later learned a sixth person is also facing charges.
WJAR spoke exclusively to the chief, minutes after the video was released.
“Assault on our officers is not something we tolerate here in Newport," Chief Ryan Duffy said.
Five people are due in court on Wednesday. The sixth person will appear in court later this month.
The following includes information about five of the six arrests, as well as the charges:
Alexandra Flaherty, of Marshfield, Mass.
-Assault of police officers and other officials
-Simple assault or battery
-Resisting legal or illegal arrest
-Obstructing officer in execution of duty
-Disorderly conduct
Olivia Costello, of Milton, Mass.
-Simple assault or battery
-Resisting legal or illegal arrest
-Obstructing officer in execution of duty
-Disorderly conduct
David Onik, of Barrington, R.I.
-Disorderly conduct
Robert Nash, of Marshfield, Mass.
-Assault of police officers and other officials
-Simple assault or battery
-Resisting legal or illegal arrest
-Obstructing officer in execution of duty
-Disorderly conduct
Rachael Onik, of Barrington, R.I.
-Simple assault or battery
-Resisting legal or illegal arrest
-Obstructing officer in execution of duty
-Disorderly conduct