Barrington Man Charged In Assault With Apparent Racial Overtones

BARRINGTON, RI — A Barrington man was charged with assault and disorderly conduct in an altercation that town officials said last week included racial overtones.

Barrington Police Chief Doug DeCrescenzo said Richard Gordon, 71, was charged when an investigation determined he was the aggressor in an altercation he had with his Rumstick Avenue neighbor on Aug. 3.

In a joint statement released Friday, Barrington Town Manager James Cunha and Town Council President Michael Carroll called the behavior exhibited in the altercation "abhorrent" and said the Rhode Island Attorney General's office was consulted to determine if a hate crime charge was warranted.

"The town of Barrington extends its support to the victims in this case and stands with all those who condemn discrimination in any form," the statement said. "We want to make it crystal clear to all residents and visitors alike that behavior endangering the safety of anyone, which interferes in the quiet enjoyment of their home and property or which impacts basic civil rights, will not be tolerated in any instance."

The statement said the hate crime charge was not advised in this case, but Barrington police said they will continue to work with the Attorney General's Office to determine if that changes based on new information learned about the altercation.

Gordon was arraigned in 6th District Court on Friday.

DeCrescenzo said police responded to a 911 call on Aug. 3 and were initially told conflicting stories about the altercation in which Gordon was injured.

After viewing video surveillance of the altercation from cameras in the neighborhood, DeCrescenzo said they determined Gordon was the aggressor and he was charged with assault and disorderly conduct.

"The case is currently under investigation and any additional information obtained will be vetted and, if probative, will be used to change/modify any charges or add any sentence enhancements, if applicable, in accordance with RI law," he said.

Residents rallied outside of Barrington Town Hall in support of the victim on Sunday.

"This type of behavior is abhorrent and should not be tolerated anywhere," the statement from Cunha and Carroll said. "It does not reflect who we are as a community and it not who we aspire to be."

More Patch Coverage: Barrington Officials Address 'Racial Overtones' In Recent Fight