A man accused of setting fire to a predominantly Black church in North Providence, Rhode Island, has been charged with additional crimes after allegedly throwing a mixture of feces and bodily fluids at two correctional officers while in custody.
Kevin Colantonio, 35, was arrested in February on a felony arson charge after surveillance footage showed him using gasoline to set a series of fires outside the Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries.
According to federal court documents, the incident involving the correctional officers occurred in March at the Wyatt Detention Facility, where Colantonio was being held. The officers had approached his cell to deliver breakfast, and Colantonio had initially appeared to accept a cup of coffee.
However, instead of taking the coffee, Colantonio suddenly threw a cup containing a mixture of feces and bodily fluids at the officers through the food trap in his cell. The affidavit stated that a large amount of the substance splattered onto the officers’ uniforms and the dayroom floor.
Colantonio has now been charged with felony assault on a federal officer, in addition to the original arson charge. The incident has raised concerns about the behavior of the suspect, who is already facing serious charges related to the church fire.
