Providence police arrest 17 after clash on Charles Street

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- A total of seventeen people were arrested after a clash with Providence police officers early Sunday morning.

The incident happened just after 3 a.m. at a known after-hours biker hangout on Charles Street. An officer initially went there to ticket illegally parked cars.

According to Commander Thomas Verdi, while one of the cars was being towed from the scene, a man jumped into the car to grab something from the passenger seat.

When the man was instructed to get out of the car, he refused and pushed the officer. Once police placed the man under arrest, they were confronted by a large group of people who began to circle them.

Providence police said another officer was shoved while trying to disperse the crowd. Additionally, the group would not allow officers access into the establishment.

Officers said they received threats from a member of the group, who fled to the back of a parking lot before he was caught caught by officers on scene.

Providence police said that seventeen people were arrested and face charges ranging from simple assault, obstruction, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and threats against public officials.