17-year-old boy was struck in the hand with a shovel

 Police responded to an assault on Tuesday morning in which a 17-year-old boy was struck in the hand with a shovel. Newport police reported that officers were initially called to 274 Elm St. at about 10 a.m. on Tuesday on a report of a man who was screaming and waving a gun around. Officers arrived and found no one outside the home. They then discovered the boy bleeding from an injured hand.

The investigation determined the teen was selling a motorcycle and that he was assaulted and struck with a shovel while inside the garage by two men who were reportedly buying the motorcycle. “The 17-year-old screamed for help and an occupant of the home responded and brandished a firearm while ordering the suspects to leave. The men fled. The 17-year-old was treated on scene for an injury to his hand. Police determined the teen was injured while shielding himself from being struck with the shovel. Police have identified Jason Willey, 40, as a suspect and are asking for the public’s help in finding him. He is a white male, approximately 6 foot, 1 inch tall and approximately 190 pounds. Anyone with information on this incident, or anyone with information on Willey’s whereabouts, is asked to call Newport Police at 802-334-6733.