Rhode Island could make attacking the pizza guy a felony

By: The Associated Press

news@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Attacking the person who delivers your pizza could become a felony in Rhode Island under a proposed state law.              

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Dominick Ruggerio, of North Providence, says he introduced the bill because of increasing assaults on delivery people in Providence.              

A hearing is scheduled Tuesday. The legislation would make assaulting a delivery person a crime subject to up to three years in prison and $3,000 in fines, which are stiffer penalties than an assault charge.              

Punishment would be more severe, five to 20 years in prison, if a weapon is used that seriously injures the delivery person.              

The Providence City Council requested the legislation after more than a dozen robberies last year.       

A delivery driver was stabbed and robbed at a Providence apartment complex in December.

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