Newport police investigating infant death at apartment complex

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — Newport police responded to calls at the Festival Field housing development just before 11pm Thursday night, for an unresponsive two-month-old child.

That child was taken to Newport hospital and pronounced dead.

Following an investigation, Newport police arrested a 17-year-old in connection to that incident for felony delinquent charges, who will appear in family court.

According to Newport police, while Newport Fire Department personnel were performing life saving measures on the infant, a large unruly crowd gathered around the scene and a physical altercation broke out.

While attempting to break up the fight, one Newport police officer was punched in the face.

No immediate arrests were made during the altercation and Newport detectives are investigating the incident.

Since this situation involves multiple minors, police say there aren’t many other details they can release at this time.

Newport police were back at the apartment complex Friday morning.

Neighbors who spoke to ABC6 said this is a tragic situation but did not feel comfortable speaking on camera.