GLOCESTER – A convicted Level III sex offender was arrested by Glocester police for failure to report his employment at a local restaurant, and added on new charges through assaults and slurs at both officers and staff at a hospital that was trying to treat him.
Shawn Wolfenden, 35, a resident of apartment 12 of West Glocester Motor Inn, was charged with failure to register, assault, and threats against public officials following his arrest on Sunday, Feb. 23.
According to the arrest report, police became aware that Wolfenden was working at the Chepachet-based restaurant Tavern on Main in January, and that he had not registered the job despite numerous warnings – and a previous arrest for the same issue last September. Restaurant managers confirmed with police that he had worked at the establishment every Wednesday through Sunday since November.
Wolfenden was convicted of indecent solicitation of a child in 2012.
Manager Chelsea Lumnah told NRI NOW this week that Wolfenden was hired prior to the business’s recent change in management, and was terminated as soon as she learned of the past charges.
Officers executed an arrest warrant and took Wolfenden into custody from the motel, but later, while at the Glocester police station, he reportedly complained of abdominal pain and asked to be taken to the hospital.
Police transported him to Fatima Hospital, but Wolfenden refused medical treatment and became hostile with staff, according to police.
“Wolfenden was frightened by needles and the possibility blood being drawn,” and began making vulgar and racist remarks to the nurse, according to the report. He then began spitting on the walls and the floor of the facility, and ripping cords out of the wall, refusing to let go of his hospital bed. Wolfenden fought off police trying to handcuff him, making several attempts to bite officers.
Police tried to transport Wolfenden to the ACI, but he reportedly began banging his head on the cage in the cruiser – and corrections staff refused to accept him into intake due to a wound on his head.
“During this time, Wolfenden threatened Ptlm. Glaude multiple times by stating he will come after his family when his out in two weeks,” notes the report.
Officers then took Wolfenden to Kent County Hospital, where as a patient he again refused treatment. He was ultimately held in the Glocester station
Wolfenden was arraigned in Third Division Court on Monday, Feb. 24 with a bond set at $5,000 surety. He is due back in court for a status conference on Monday, April 21.
Editor’s note: The above article was edited to include a statement from restaurant manager Chelsea Lumnah.
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