NEWPORT — Chief Travis Bingham of the Newport Police Department announced the arrest of a man charged with attempted murder following an alleged violent altercation along the Clyde River.
The accused, Caleb Maniscalchi, 21, of Manchester, New Hampshire, faces multiple charges including attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and disorderly conduct.
The incident unfolded on Monday, at around 5:16 p.m. when officers responded to a reported disturbance near Hill Street by the Clyde River. The initial complaint revolved around a person being harassed while fishing.
Upon their arrival, officers found a drenched male with apparent head injuries. A subsequent investigation revealed that the victim and Maniscalchi had a heated verbal exchange after their fishing lines became entangled.
The situation escalated as Maniscalchi allegedly hit the victim repeatedly with a rock and then held the victim’s head underwater until bystanders intervened.
Maniscalchi allegedly fled the scene and called 911 himself to report the incident but did not remain present to speak with officers. Police say they later learned that Maniscalchi, the victim, and a witness were known to one another.
Around an hour later, Newport Police identified a vehicle with a New Hampshire plate linked to Maniscalchi near the incident’s location. After locating the vehicle on Interstate 91, officers stopped and subsequently arrested him based on their findings.
Following his arraignment, Maniscalchi was released on a $5,000 unsecured bond with set conditions.
