NORTH SMITHFIELD – A 50-year-old man is facing felony charges after allegedly striking his girlfriend, and making a slew of threats against police officers who responded to his address at the Hilltop Motel.
Eric Hopkins was charged with domestic assault – third offense, disorderly conduct, and threat to a public official, following an incident at the Eddie Dowling Highway motel in June.
According to the arrest report, police were called to the hotel for reports of a domestic disturbance and met with Hopkins, who said he had called 911 because his girlfriend was smoking crack in another motel room with a man.
Police noted that Hopkins smelled of alcohol and quickly became confrontational, refusing to answer questions.
Officers spoke with the victim, who was in another room, where they noted things appeared orderly, except for a door frame that appeared damaged from when Hopkins reportedly tried to break in. The victim, who police noted seemed sober, said that Hopkins was drunk and had previously struck her.
When Hopkins was placed under arrest he began making threatening and degrading comments to officers including, “wait till you take these cuffs off, I’m gonna bust your a$$;””I’m literally gonna kill you when I get out;” “bring your children to EP (East Providence) and find out, I’m that guy;” and, “I’m gonna piss in your mouth,” according to details in the report.
Officers later learned that he had never called 911, and that it was the girlfriend who had called police for help.
Hopkins was arraigned in 3rd District Court and was released on a $5,000 surety bond with a no contact order. He has a pre-arraignment conference scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 6.
