A bicyclist in Providence was reportedly chased down, punched in the face, and had a credit card taken, suffering significant facial injuries that led to a hospital evaluation. Providence police said the reported attack unfolded early Tuesday morning at the intersection of Hayward and Portland Streets.
Officers responded to the scene at around 5:25 a.m. and found the victim with significant facial injuries, according to WJAR. The victim told police that, while riding a bicycle on Hayward Street, the victim had been chased by a man dressed in all black. A police spokesperson said the suspect allegedly punched the victim in the face and took a single credit card after the victim lost balance and fell off the bike.
The victim was taken to a hospital for evaluation, per the same account.
How Robbery Is Classified Under Rhode Island Law
Rhode Island law generally treats simple assault as a misdemeanor and robbery as a felony, according to the law firm of Briody Law. Under Rhode Island General Laws § 11-39-1, robbery involving an injured victim is classified as first-degree robbery, a capital felony, regardless of whether a weapon was used, according to Justia.
First-degree robbery carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with a maximum of life imprisonment and fines up to $15,000, per the same statute. That distinguishes it from second-degree robbery, which involves force without injury or weapons and carries a sentence of 5 to 30 years. If a suspect is identified and charged, Rhode Island court procedure for capital offenses gives prosecutors the discretion to request that the person be held without bail pending an evidentiary hearing, which is normally scheduled within 10 days of the initial appearance, according to the Law Office of John L. Calcagni III.
Part of a Busy October for Outdoor Attacks in Providence
Other Recent Providence Incidents A bouncer was stabbed outside a Providence club one day before the bicyclist incident, though officers were unable to locate a crime scene. A robbery occurred Friday afternoon.
Less than two weeks before the Hayward Street incident, officers also responded to a stabbing inside a Stewart Street residence in South Providence.
No arrest has been announced in connection with the reported Hayward Street robbery. The Providence Police Department publishes nightly updated case and arrest logs on the city's open data portal, giving the public access to daily police activity across municipal districts as the investigation continues.
