Barrington man arrested following argument with neighbor

BARRINGTON, R.I. (WLNE) – A man in Barrington was arrested after an argument with his neighbors stemming from a property marker on Rumstick Drive.

On Friday, August 7, 2020, 71-year-old Richard Gordon was charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct as a result of the incident.

Gordon could be heard admitting to racial slurs in a video capturing the argument.

The victimized couple stating, “You can’t have a conversation with someone using racial slurs.”

Barrington Police Chief, Dino DeCrescenzo said the following in a press release,

“We will continue to consult with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office to determine whether, based on all the available evidence/information, the sentencing enhancement as enumerated in the Hate Crime Statute is applicable.”

Barrington Town Manager James J. Cunha and Town Council President Michael Carroll released a statement regarding the incident.  Part of the statement read as follows,

“The Town of Barrington is deeply troubled by the racial overtones of a recent physical altercation on Rumstick Drive. This type of behavior is abhorrent and should not be tolerated anywhere. It does not reflect who we are as a community and it is not who we aspire to be.”