CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) -- Cranston Republicans are questioning whether city Democrats will stand by one of the party's higher-profile local activists after he was arrested early Thursday morning.
David Alden Sears, who currently chairs the Cranston Young Democrats, was arrested after police said he and members of his family got into what appeared to be a drunken fight. Sears, 27, was charged with domestic assault and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors.
Cranston Republican City Committee Chairman John Colasante issued a statement Friday, calling on top city Democrats to address the arrest. He also questioned whether the Democrats would call for Sears to step down from his position.
"Moments like this can be defining on how leaders handle them," Colasante said in the statement. "Will Cranston Democrats join together in defending Sears, or will they do the proper thing and call for his suspension or resignation?"
Sears did not immediately respond to a call and text seeking comment Friday. Maria Bucci, chairwoman of the city Democrats, did not immediately respond to request for comment.
Police reports show Cranston officers responded to Sears' home at about 1 a.m. Thursday morning after a report of a fight between family members.
Police said when they arrived Sears' mother -- Kerry Sears -- was "yelling very loud using vulgar language and screaming racial slurs." The mother, 53, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.
According to the report, Sears told police he woke up to his parents coming home after a night of drinking. Police said the Sears family members then fought each other.
Sears' father, David Sears Sr., 58, was also arrested and charged with domestic assault and disorderly conduct.
Eli Sherman (esherman@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and on Facebook.
Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook.