Convicted child rapist Richard Gardner arrested for domestic violence

Convicted child rapist Richard Gardner was arrested Wednesday evening after a reported disturbance at his home.

LINCOLN, RI (WLNE) – Convicted child rapist Richard Gardner was arrested Wednesday afternoon after a disturbance at his home.

Lincoln Police say they received a 911 call Wednesday around 5:45 p.m. on Knowles Street about a disturbance between a man and a woman who were standing in a nearby driveway.

The caller identified the male as Gardner, 53, who resides at the Knowles Street home. The woman was later identified in court Thursday as Gardner’s wife Patricia.

Police say when they arrived they found Gardner and his wife in their driveway. Patricia was visibly upset and bleeding from her right arm.

Police say further investigation revealed that a fight broke out between the two prior to when officers arrived.

The investigation’s results revealed that there was probable cause to arrest Gardner for Domestic Violence, according to police.

But Patricia claims her husband did not put his hands on her. She said that she had cell-phones in her hand and felt they were about to fall and when she went to pick them up she cut herself with her own keys.

“We both ended up in the driveway and we continued arguing,” Patricia said. “At no time did he put his hands on me and the video shows that he never even came close enough to touch me.”

Police say they spoke to a witness and watched the surveillance video which is when they arrested and charged him.

Back in December, dozens protested outside the Knowles Street home in Lincoln after word spread that he had moved into the home.

Gardner was arraigned Thursday morning at Kent County District Court on charges of Domestic Simple Assault and Battery, and Domestic Disorderly Conduct.

Gardner, a Superior Court violator, was ordered held without bail. His next court date is set for March 23.

The judge ordered a no-contact order between Gardner and his wife.