Ex-state lawmaker charged with assaulting man on front lawn

By: The Associated Press

news@abc6.com

EAST GREENWICH, R.I. (AP) _ A former Rhode Island lawmaker has been arrested after police say he got into a fight with another man on the front lawn of someone’s home.

Former House Minority Leader Robert Watson was charged Friday with simple assault and disorderly conduct.

A man told East Greenwich police he was driving Watson to court when Watson allegedly hit him in the arm with a padlock. Police say Watson and the man later got into a fight on the front lawn of a home.

Police say the homeowner contacted police, who took Watson into custody.

Watson was arrested last year on charges alleging he kicked and shattered a door at a North Kingstown bank.

He did not immediately respond to a phone call Saturday seeking comment.

© The Associated Press WLNE-TV 2017