Federal Hill restaurant ordered to close early with restrictions after assault of officer
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Providence Board of Licenses on Wednesday ordered a Federal Hill restaurant and nightclub close early this weekend with restricted space after a recent incident where a police officer was punched and bitten.
The board said the restaurant must close at midnight Friday and Saturday, and that they won’t be allowed to use the second floor.
Saje Kitchen was on the board’s agenda after police responded to the restaurant two days in a row for multiple license violations that haven’t been fixed from previous citations.
According to a police report, an officer was on patrol at about 1:45 a.m. when they heard a woman screaming inside the building.
The officer saw the suspect, 27-year-old Taylor Martone, screaming and trying to push past the security guard.
They heard Martone claim she was “disrespected” in the club.
The officer said Martone was uncooperative when they were trying to talk to her about the situation, and that she was blocking people from getting in and out of the club.
Police said the security guard, who was not named, was also uncooperative.
When the officer told Martone to leave the area, she allegedly punched them in the head multiple times.
A bystander stepped in to help the officer. That’s when Martone allegedly bit into the officer’s arm, breaking the skin.
The officer punched Martone in the face after they said she ignored commands to stop.
Martone is further accused of kicking the officer once she was in handcuffs.
She was brought back to Central Station and was placed in a padded cell. According to online court records, she was charged with assault of a police officer, a felony.
The officer was treated for their injuries at Roger Williams Hospital.
The board on Wednesday noted a certain staff member would be prohibited from being at the restaurant this weekend, but did not specify if it was the security guard involved.
Saje Kitchen will appear before the board again next week.
