Police arrest 3rd suspect in Newport shooting
by: Sarah Doiron
NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) — Yet another suspect is facing charges connected to a shooting that happened in Newport last weekend, according to authorities.
Marc Washington was taken into custody Friday in Middletown after officers spotted his vehicle in Portsmouth. Police said Portsmouth officers tried to pull Washington over and opted not to chase him when he took off.
Detectives searched his Portsmouth home a short time later and found evidence that confirmed his involvement in the shooting, which happened on July 5, according to police.
Portsmouth police have charged Washington with fleeing a motor vehicle stop and possession of cocaine. He has also facing charges in connection with the shooting, including assault with intent to commit a felony, compounding or concealing a felony, unlawful possession of a firearm and possessing a pistol without a permit.
Police said Washington was out on probation for first-degree robbery and breaking and entering. He was ordered held as a probation violator pending his formal arraignment Monday in Newport District Court.
Washington is the third suspect to be arrested in connection with the shooting. Johnny Escobar was taken into custody last Monday in Somerset, and Kenneth Jenkins was apprehended two days later in Middletown.
Officers were called to Jade Way last Friday to investigate reports of gunfire in the Newport neighborhood. Investigators believe Escobar shot another man in the neck during a gunfight and then took off, and that Jenkins tried to get rid of one of the firearms used in the supposed shootout.
The victim was brought by a friend to Newport Hospital for injuries that weren’t life-threatening, according to police.
Both Escobar and Jenkins are being held as bail violators pending their next court dates, which are scheduled for October.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact Newport Police Detective Patrick Walsh at (401) 845-5775 or pwalsh@cityofnewport.com.