PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Attacking a pizza deliverer could become a felony in Rhode Island under a proposed state law.
The Rhode Island Senate voted 32-1 Tuesday to pass a bill that would make assaulting a delivery person a crime subject to up to three years in prison and $3,000 in fines.
Those are stiffer penalties than an assault charge carries.
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Punishment would be more severe- five to 20 years in prison -if a weapon is used that seriously injures the delivery person.
Sen. Paul Jabour, a Providence Democrat, says he knows a young man who was stabbed while delivering pizza last year. Jabour says the stronger penalties could deter future crimes.
The Providence City Council requested the legislation after a string of robberies. The bill now moves to the House.
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