Barrington Officials Address 'Racial Overtones' In Recent Fight

BARRINGTON, RI — Barrington town officials said they sought the Rhode Island District Attorney's Office advice on whether the suspect in a recent altercation with "racial overtones" could be charged with a hate crime.

While they were advised the charge was not appropriate in this case, officials released a statement Friday afternoon condemning the behavior.

"The town of Barrington is deeply troubled by the racial overtones of a recent physical altercation on Rumstick Drive," Barrington Town Manager James Cunha and Town Council President Michael Carroll said in a joint statement. "This type of behavior is abhorrent and should not be tolerated anywhere. It does not reflect who we are as a community and it not who we aspire to be."

Officials did not reveal the details of the altercation.

Barrington police charged the suspect with simple assault and disorderly conduct. Town officials said they sought advice on whether to add the hate crime charge before the suspect's arraignment at District Court Friday morning.

"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."