Teacher charged with assaulting officer

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) - A Providence middle school teacher is facing assault charges in connection with an incident that eventually left a North Kingstown police officer with a concussion.

Jane O'Connell, 49, of Charlestown is accused of disorderly conduct, simple assault, resisting arrest and obstructing an officer.

Police tell Eyewitness News, emergency responders were called to Seven Moons restaurant on Post Road around 9 p.m. Saturday for a report of an intoxicated person who had fallen off a bar stool.

When first responders arrived, police say the suspect, who was with the party and appeared to be intoxicated, attempted to interfere.

Police say officers tried to arrest O'Connell after she went on a profanity-laced tirade, but say she resisted.

Once officers were able to put handcuffs on O'Connell and escort her outside the restaurant, they said she became combative, kicking one officer in the shin and the other officer in the thigh. The said she then refused to get in the police cruiser, and once they got her in the car, she repeatedly kicked the door.

O'Connell was taken to the station, where police officers said they had to hold her up as she walked. According to the police report, one of the officers lunged forward to prevent O'Connell from hitting the ground, hit his head on the concrete and suffered a concussion.

O'Connell was processed and released on $5,000 personal recognizance.

Christina O'Reilly, director of communications for Providence Schools, confirmed O'Connell worked for the district.

"While the incident in no way involved or impacted students, all who work in our schools and district must be held to a high standard as trusted adults in our students' lives," said O'Reilly, who noted that O'Connell had been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation and hearing.

Police also tell us O'Connell made some serious threats and allegations that night. In the police report she says,"My brother's a sheriff," "I'm going to kill you cops," and "I'm a teacher you idiots."

Investigators say they are taking the threats very seriously and are still investigating the allegations.