Coventry Man Charged With Sexual Assault On Greenway

COVENTRY, RI — A Coventry man was arrested on sexual assault charges Thursday after a woman said that he approached her on a bike path and grabbed her breast on the Coventry Greenway near the Coventry Town Hall. Coventry and West Warwick officers arrested Gary Arnold Jr. after short foot chase in the area.

Police say Arnold has a significant criminal history and had been out on bail from previous charges. He was being held until his appearance in Kent County District Court.

Police say a woman called at about 9 a.m. Thursday morning and reported that the man grabbed her on the bike path and continued walking toward West Warwick. Police responded and used surveillance cameras to locate a man matching the suspect's description walking toward the West Warwick line.

Arnold was arrested after a search of the area and the foot chase. Police say the victim identified Arnold as the man who assaulted her earlier and he was placed in custody on a charge of second degree sexual assault, obstruction of justice and disorderly conduct.