WARWICK, RI — A 22-year-old Warwick woman is due in court April 21 on assault and reckless driving charges after a Dollar Tree Punch & Run before a high-speed ride into Tuskatucket Brook off Almy Street March 3.
According to a police report, April Bateman, 22, of 60 Deacon Ave., Warwick, got into an argument with a fellow 2680 West Shore Road Dollar General shopper at about 8:14 p.m. while the two were in the same checkout line. According to Officer Devin Itzkowitz’s report, the woman reporting the assault said that while she was chatting with the cashier about the price of eggs when Bateman, a few people behind her in line, shouted at her to hurry up.
Punch & Run: Arguing Drivers Meet Leaving Lot
The victim, 56, and Bateman argued briefly, and then left the store. The two women wound up in their cars backing up to leave at the same time. Bateman backed her Fusion out slightly faster, blocking the woman’s path in that direction, and she pulled her gray 2018 Honda Pilot forward in an attempt to get away from Bateman, according to Itzkowitz’s report.
Bateman got out of her Fusion and approached the Pilot on foot, reached through SUV’s driver’s side windo and pulled the other woman’s hair, according to the report. Batemen then opened the door and punched the woman four times in the face. The woman said she attempted to restrain her dog, in the car with her, and pushed Bateman away with her hands.
The woman called 911 and informed Bateman she had reported the assault, according to the report. Bateman got back into her Fusion and sped away. The woman followed, speeding to 40 in a 25 mph zone to keep Bateman’s car in sight as it sped away faster, following Bateman on to Almy Road, where she crashed through a guard rail at the dead end and into the brook.
Warwick Police received witness statements about the crash on Almy Street, and also video footage of Bateman saying she had assaulted the other woman before the crash.
Itzkowitz reported that, based on the interviews and witness statements, he would charge Bateman with reckless driving, simple assault and disorderly conduct. She was arraigned in Third District Court March 25, scheduled for a pretrial conference April 21 and released on $1,000 personal recognizance.
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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