Two suspects caught on camera smashing businesses’ windows in Newport

"There's a lot of fallout from selfish behavior"

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) – It’s the sight no business owner wants to see, especially during a holiday weekend. A smashed storefront window.

That’s what happened to at least six small business and restaurant owners Saturday morning, on Broadway in Newport.

“It’s vandalism for no reason… there’s a lot of fall out from just, selfish behavior,” Tom Sheehan, the owner of Malt on Broadway says.

Sheehan’s surveillance camera outside his restaurant caught the two suspects in action, just before 2 a.m. Saturday. The hope- someone may recognize the two men in the video.

“I’m shocked, especially this time of the year, winter time, it’s mostly locals and that’s why I think everyone was very taken back,” Sheehan adds.

Down the road, The Corner Cafe, was also vandalized. Co-owner Jamey Simoes says in his 17 years of working at this location in Newport, he’s never had anything even remotely close to this happen.

“It’s senseless, really for no reason,” he adds.

Simoes says this adds insult to injury- considering the past year and a half small businesses have endured with COVID-19 restrictions.

“For us specifically to wake up at 7 a.m., and to see your front door shattered on a holiday weekend, and everything we have had to tolerate– as you can imagine it’s been challenging,” Simoes says.

“Be a man, you need to hold yourself accountable for your actions,” Sheehan says.

Newport Police are investigating. This is a developing story, check back for details.