WPD Arrest Father for Shoving Harris Principal in Attempt to Enter School

A father of two Harris Elementary School students was charged with pushing his way into the building Dec. 13 while arguing with Principal Karen MacBeth for separating his fighting children, shoving her aside.

Woonsocket Police Officer Matthew Oliver was called to the school at 9 a.m. for a report of an assault, speaking with MacBeth, who said a parent, Ronald E. Hogan, 33, 427 N. Main St., First Floor, pushed and swore at her during morning student drop off in front of several children, parents and staff members, according to Oliver's report.

MacBeth said that morning she observed Hogan's son fighting with a girl, both of whom were heavily clothed for the cold, so she did not immediately realize the two were brother and sister. Nevertheless, MacBeth said, she separated the pair, noting that although Hogan was present in the crowd, he had not intervened as his son fought the girl.

MacBeth placed the girl in the vestibule and kept Hogan's son outside as Hogan approached and accused her of only paying attention to certain fights, and called her a name, using two swears, she said, Oliver reported. 

MacBeth said Hogan attempted to enter the school vestibule where the girl had been sent, but since she didn't know the girl was his daughter, she stepped in front of him to block his entry. Hogan pushed her aside with his forearm, MacBeth said, after which she told him he could not go inside. Hogan called to his daughter, and MacBeth realized the child was his. 

MacBeth said Hogan continued to call to his daughter, but she told him she'd be sent to the office to answer for the fight, and repeated that he couldn't enter the school. Hogan eventually walked away from the school, she said.

Oliver visited Hogan at home with Officer Jesse Nunnemacher. Hogan told them said he'd tried to get past MacBeth but, due to his size, accidentally pushed her instead. 

Oliver arrested Hogan, charging him with disorderly conduct and simple assault.