WOONSOCKET, R.I. --

An argument between a Woonsocket police officer and his
9-year-old sister led the 23-year-old man to choke his sibling at their
father's home.
That's according to a police report on the incident that led to the arrest of officer Patrick Cahill.


Police released the report Wednesday, one day after Cahill was
arrested and arraigned in District Court on a charge of felony assault.
He was released on $5,000 personal recognizance.
According to a police report, the girl says she and her sister were
watching television at Cahill's father's house with the officer when she
asked to go outside.
The girl said Cahill began yelling at her and she ran upstairs and
outside. Once outside, she tried to go into a car in the driveway to get
away from Cahill because he was chasing her.
According to the police report, the girl said that Patrick grabbed
her by the hair, and pulled her back inside the home. Once inside, the
girl said she was thrown on the couch where Cahill put his hand around
her throat and began to strangle her.
According to the police report, the girl said she was crying and when Cahill let go, she had trouble breathing.


Police said the girl was treated for non life-threatening injuries.


The Woonsocket Police Department says Cahill has been suspended without pay.