As reported in the March 17, 2011 edition of the Sakonnet Times, a Portsmouth man was arrested at Clements' Market following a road rage incident. According to the victim, the man tailgated her car, made obscene gestures and sideswiped her vehicle, causing damage to the mirror. Both cars then pulled into Clements' Market and the man got out of his vehicle. As the woman tried to get out of her car, the man closed the car door on her leg. Witnesses corroborated the victim's version of events. The man was later charged with assault.
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Law 11-5-3, every person who shall make an assault or battery or both shall be imprisoned not exceeding one year or fined not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.
Based on the man's road rage, he could have also been charged with reckless driving. Pursuant to R.I.G.L. 31-27-4, reckless driving is defined as any person who operates a motor vehicle recklessly so that the lives or safety of the public might be endangered, or operates a vehicle in an attempt to elude or flee from a traffic officer or police vehicle, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for the first conviction and a felony for the second and each subsequent conviction.