Local man charged in alleged melee

SMITHFIELD – Just after midnight on Sunday morning, Smithfield police responded to a Douglas Pike establishment where a local man was arrested during the dispersal of a large, violent crowd.

On Sunday at 12:08 a.m., Smithfield police received numerous calls for a large disturbance in the parking lot of the Sky Lounge, located at 55 Douglas Pike. While police were responding, the dispatcher received additional 911 calls reporting shots fired at that location.

Officers from neighboring North Providence Lincoln police departments were sent to assist. Upon the arrival of officers, police said, there were approximately 150 people in the parking lot with several physical and verbal altercations taking place outside the establishment.

Private security on the scene advised that prior to the officers’ arrival, two gun shots were heard from the area of the southeast parking lot. Police were able to gain control of and disperse the crowd. No gunshot injuries were reported on scene. The incident remains under investigation, police said.

One arrest was made during the disturbance. Christopher Martinez, 28, of Cumberland, was arrested for simple assault, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct during the crowd dispersal. Martinez was transported to Smithfield police headquarters and later released with a summons to appear for arraignment in District Court on Oct. 2.

Anyone with more information on the incident is asked to contact Smithfield Police at (401) 231-2500.