Trio From Newport Accused Of Assault And Robbery Outside Police Department
NEWPORT — Footage from the police department’s exterior video camera is part of felony crime cases against three Newport residents accused of assault and robbery.
Joseph A. Balcom, Jr., age 40, James Higginson, 41, and Jennine Dubois, 39, appeared before Judge Justin Jiron on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to three charges: assault and robbery, aiding in the commission of a felony and lying to police.
Newport Police Officer Jonathan Morin reported that the crimes happened on Sept. 26, just outside the police department in what is described as a “parklet.”
The officer’s investigation relied on witness statements and video camera footage to establish the charges.
The trio is accused of assaulting Nathanael Bagley, 26, and trying to take a bag from him.
Officer Morin talked with Bagley, who said he was hit three or four times and his bag was taken. “They were attacking me, smacking me,” Bagley reportedly said. The officer noted that Bagley had a bloody lip.
During the incident, Higginson reportedly pulled out a knife.
At their arraignments on Wednesday, Dubois, Balcom, Higginson were ordered to stay away from Bagley. They also are not allowed to have firearms or other deadly weapons.
And now it’s time for your Moo92 sports…
The Boston Bruins have won 3 in a row as they took down the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday by a score of 6-2. Pavel Zacha with 2 goals in the victory. Bruins will host the Florida Panthers on Sunday Afternoon.
The Montreal Canadians got back in the win column a they beat the visiting Utah Mammoth in overtime last night 5-4. Cole Caufield netted the game winner in OT. The Habs will travel to Toronto to take on the Maple Leafs on Saturday night.
And in local sports…
The North Country Falcons football team is ready for their Vermont Division 2 State Championship Semi-final matchup as they travel to Colchester tonight to take on the Lakers at 7pm. Lyndon takes on Fair Haven in the other Semi-final game tonight at 7 o’clock.
St. Johnsbury will host Burlington for their Division 1 semi-final game on Saturday.