Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE -- A state trooper accused of violating a Narragansett tribe member's civil rights during the 2003 smoke-shop raid continued his testimony this morning in U.S. District Court.

Trooper Kenneth Jones is facing a civil suit accusing him of violating tribe member Adam Jones' civil rights by using excessive force when he twisted his ankle until it broke while placing Jennings under arrest.

Jones testifed that Jennings was trying to roll around and kick him while Jones had a grip on Jennings's ankle, and he said he believes Jennings movements are what caused the ankle to break.

Jones said he couldn't let go of Jennings.

"I was not going to lose that position of control," Jones said.

The state police executed a search warrant on tribal land in Charlestown on July 14, 2003, to stop the Narragansetts from selling tax-free cigarettes. The raid erupted into a confrontation that left eight people injured, including Jennings, and eight tribal members facing misdemeanor charges. In April, Jennings was found not guilty of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Today is the fourth day of testimony and the second time the case has gone to trial.

Read coverage of yesterday's testimony.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney

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