Seven people arrested after protest blocks I-95 North in Providence
PROVIDENCE, R.I (WLNE) – Traffic was halted for a period of time on Monday night after a protest blocked all travel lanes on I-95 North by the Providence Place Mall.
Rhode Island State Police said a U-Haul truck and several vehicles were used to block the highway, and a group of around 15 people protested using signs and putting up traffic cones to prevent drivers from passing.
The protestors had left by the time state troopers arrived, but police said they later observed the U-Haul on Orms Street in Providence and pulled the truck over.
The driver, Kade Page, 24, of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, was arrested along with six others who were in the back of the truck.
State police identified the six people as:
- Devin Costa, 24, of Rumford, Rhode Island
- Cody Boyce, 24, of Lincoln, Rhode Island
- Evan Laferriere, 24, of Attleboro, Massachusetts
- Najeli Rodriguez, 19, of Providence, Rhode Island
- Julia Unger, 21, of Narragansett, Rhode Island
- A fifteen-year-old juvenile male
The six adults arrested were charged with Disorderly Conduct and Conspiracy and went before a judge in Providence District Court Tuesday morning.
Five of the six adults plead not guilty and were released on $1,000 personal recognizance. They are each expected to be back in court on November 13.
Najeli Rodriguez, 19, is being held without bail until a status hearing on Friday. Rodriguez’s attorney said in court that she was working as an independent journalist at the time.
Rodriguez has previous charges against her stemming from a protest this summer and was presented as a violator in court Tuesday.
According to police, the juvenile male was released to a guardian and will be petitioned to Providence Family Court.
©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2020
