CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (AP) - The Latest on the investigation of a driver whose truck menaced a group of immigration protesters (all times local):
5:30 p.m.
An organization that has been protesting federal immigration policies says one of two people injured when a truck drove through demonstrators outside a Rhode Island prison was seriously hurt.
The Jewish youth movement Never Again Action says 64-year-old Jerry Belair, of Warren, suffered a broken leg and internal bleeding and was being evaluated at a hospital for a possible back injury.
It says Belair was injured Wednesday night when the pickup moved through a crowd blocking an entrance to the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls. The facility is used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Wyatt warden Daniel Martin said Thursday that a prison employee, Capt. Thomas Woodworth, has been placed on administrative leave while the facility conducts an internal review.
State police also are investigating.
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3:25 p.m.
Officials at a Rhode Island prison where a truck drove at a group protesting federal immigration policies say an employee has been placed on administrative leave.
Daniel Martin is warden of the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls.
He says a correctional officer identified as Capt. Thomas Woodworth has been suspended as the facility does a “top-to-bottom review” of Wednesday night’s incident.
Protest organizers say at least two demonstrators were injured when a pickup truck moved through a crowd of people who were blocking an entrance.
Martin did not specifically say Woodworth was the driver, and Wyatt spokesman Chris Hunter says the internal investigation will address that and other facts.
Rhode Island State Police and the attorney general’s office also are investigating.
Martin’s statement Thursday says his facility supports the First Amendment right of citizens to peacefully protest on public property.
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1 p.m.
Rhode Island’s attorney general says he’s investigating after a truck drove at a group protesting federal immigration policies at a detention center.
The Jewish youth movement Never Again Action says at least two people were injured Wednesday night outside the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls. The facility is used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
A video posted by the group on social media shows a black pickup that protesters say was operated by a corrections officer driving up to an entrance blocked by demonstrators. The vehicle stops before again moving forward.
Democratic Attorney General Peter Neronha says in a statement that it was unfortunate and that his office is gathering facts.
A message was left seeking comment from Wyatt officials.
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