PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – Officials at Rhode Island College (RIC) assured the public that there is “no ongoing threat to campus safety” after an assault involving a housekeeping staff member early Tuesday morning.
According to RIC Campus Police Chief James Mendonca, the suspect, Keveon Gomera, who is not affiliated with the college, entered Roberts Hall after exiting a RIPTA bus and attacked a female employee.
Details of the Assault
An incident report revealed that the victim was cleaning a men’s bathroom when Gomera entered, grabbed her in a bear hug, and refused to let go. He allegedly threw her to the ground, telling her he “just wanted a hug.”
A second staff member responded after hearing the victim scream for help, at which point the victim escaped. The victim later told colleagues she had “almost been raped.”
Police Response and Arrest
Campus police and Providence police responded immediately. Gomera initially resisted cooperation, but later admitted to touching the victim. He was taken into custody and arraigned on one count of simple assault.
Legal Consequences
Bail: Set at $1,000 with surety
Conditions: No contact with the victim, no trespassing at RIC
Probation Violation: Due to prior breaking & entering and resisting arrest charges from 2023, he was remanded to the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston
Campus Safety Measures
Although no lockdown was initiated, RIC officials classified the incident as isolated and have issued a no-trespass order against Gomera.
Chief Mendonca reassured the community:
“We are grateful to the responding officers and the members of our campus community whose prompt action helped ensure the safety of our staff.”
