News Summary Christopher Cherry, 37, turned himself in after allegedly assaulting a youth basketball organizer and referee in Providence. This incident, which occurred post-game in September, involved physical violence that has sparked public outcry and concern over safety in youth sports. Cherry faces multiple charges and has been ordered not to contact the victims. The case highlights the increasing violence against youth sports officials and the need for better protections. Providence, Rhode Island – Christopher Cherry, a 37-year-old man from Warwick, turned himself in to Providence police on Wednesday following an incident where he allegedly attacked a youth basketball organizer and referee. Cherry was wanted on an active arrest warrant stemming from an alleged assault that took place after a youth basketball game in Providence on September 13. During the incident, he reportedly punched Isaiah Fuller, the organizer of the basketball event, in the face. Following the punch, Cherry is accused of pulling out a knife and swinging it at a referee. The event in question was held at the John Hope Settlement House as part of Fuller’s TAFT For The People Tour, which promotes positive youth engagement through sports. Fuller indicated that he prioritized the safety of his team and opted to leave the gym when he felt the atmosphere was turning unsafe. The incident, which was intended to foster positivity and resilience, ended up overshadowed by the violence that occurred. Footage of the incident quickly circulated on social media, leading to public outcry. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley spoke out against the violence, declaring such behavior as unacceptable and emphasizing that it would not be tolerated in the community. Following his court appearance on Wednesday, Cherry faces multiple charges including one count of felony assault, two counts of simple assault, and one count of disorderly conduct. His bond was set at $2,500, and he has been ordered not to have contact with the victims involved in the altercation. Cherry is expected to return to court for a pre-trial conference on December 17. This case is currently under investigation and brings attention to a pressing concern regarding violence against youth sports officials. Statistics indicate that nearly 12-13% of youth sports officials have experienced physical assault, while over 90% have reported an increase in incidents of verbal or physical abuse in recent years. These alarming figures highlight a growing issue within youth sports that communities and organizations are striving to address. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who work to provide opportunities for youth through sports and the need for enhanced protections for officials and organizers in such environments. As the investigation continues and the legal process unfolds, stakeholders in the community, including parents and sports organizations, are urged to engage in discussions about creating safer spaces for youth sports participation. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Providence Man Arrested for Assaulting Referee Youth Basketball Coach Arrested for Assaulting Referee Charlie Kirk Killed at Utah Valley University Rally Fernando Torres Appointed Assistant Coach for Men’s Basketball Providence, Oregon Faces Critical Financial Challenges Amid Proposed Budget Cuts Additional Resources NBC Boston Google Search: violence against youth sports officials GoLocalProv Wikipedia: Youth sports ABC6 Google News: Youth basketball violence Providence
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PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
