Providence police officer accused of punching woman at abortion rally set to appear in court

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A Providence police officer who is accused of punching a woman at an abortion rally last month is set to appear in court.

Jeann Lugo is scheduled for a pre-trial conference at sixth Division District Court. He is facing simple assault and disorderly conduct charges, after the June 24th incident where he can be seen on video shot by bystanders apparently punching Jennifer Rourke in the face.

Lugo plead not guilty to those charges back on July 8.

Rourke was Lugo’s political opponent when he was running for State Senate. Lugo has since said that he is dropping out of the race.

Providence police Chief Hugh Clements recommended last month that Lugo be terminated.