‘He hit me multiple times,’ says woman of Providence officer accused of punching her

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A woman who was allegedly punched in the face by a Providence police officer at an abortion rally earlier this year, testified in court Tuesday.

Jeann Lugo, 35, was charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct stemming from the altercation.

Video evidence presented in the court room appeared to show people yelling and fights breaking out near the State House on June 24, just seconds before the incident involving Lugo and his former political opponent, Jennifer Rourke.

On the stand, Rourke said she was trying to de-escalate the situation at the time and that she didn’t recognize Lugo at the time when she was allegedly assaulted.

“And when I turned, that’s when I was assaulted, like, it felt like a closed fist and he hit right here, on the left side of my face,” Jennifer Rourke explained in the court room.

Lugo’s defense attorney pointed out that Rourke was pushing in Lugo’s direction.

A judge did dismiss the charge of disorderly conduct, but the the simple assault charge was not. The next hearing date is Sept. 6.

In July, the three-year veteran pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Providence Police Chief Col. Hugh Clements recommended his termination from the department.