Former Providence firefighter found guilty of felony assault charges
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A former Providence firefighter was found guilty on Monday for violently assaulting a 64-year-old man and his son back in 2018.
According to court documents, 50-year-old Willard Whiting was found guilty of one count of felony assault resulting in serious bodily injury and one count of felony assault on a person over the age of 60.
Providence police also confirmed Whiting was terminated from his position on the Providence Fire Department following a Trial Board Hearing back in December of 2018.
Officials said in the early morning hours of July 18, 2018, while riding his motorcycle, Whiting approached his wife who was walking on Walnut Grove Avenue and screamed at her to get on the bike.
The two victims, working at their nearby business heard the screaming and went to check on the woman’s well-being. When they arrived, Whiting got off his motorcycle and stuck both men, knocking them to the ground and repeatedly assaulted them both.
Both the 64-year-old man and his son were taken to Kent Hospital where they were treated for their injuries. The younger victim required surgery for his injuries.
Two witnesses from the scene were able to provide Whiting’s license plate and positively identified him as the assailant to police. Whiting turned himself in to police on July 23, 2018.
“The Cranston Police Department works tirelessly to keep our communities safe from senseless acts of violence such as this one and bring justice to those who perpetrate these offenses,” said Police Chief Col. Michael Winquist.
“The victim received permanent and life-long lasting injuries as a result of this vicious and unprovoked attack, and we continue to wish him well. I am grateful for the work of our detectives and officers, as well as the Attorney General’s Office, during the investigation and prosecution of this case,” he concluded.
The court granted Whiting $10,000 bail pending his sentencing hearing that is scheduled for a later date.
