Planning board politico allegedly assaults disabled man and smashes his cell phone after he took a picture of him illegally parked in two handicap spots

Planning board member arraigned on assault charges
By: Parker Gavigan
Turn to 10
Jul. 28, 2011

An elected Fairhaven Planning Board member, who's also sits on the town's Board of Appeals, faces charges after an argument over a handicapped parking spot at the Seaport Inn and Marina, where he's a manager.

Joseph Morra, 53, was charged with assault and battery on a disabled person, intimidation of a witness, impersonating a police officer and malicious destruction of property valued at over $250. [...]

According to police, the man tried to park his car in one of the handicapped spaces at the Seaport Inn and Marina on Friday night and noticed that Morra's car was taking up two handicapped parking spaces.

The alleged victim said Morra's car was taking up two handicapped parking spaces.

Police said Morra's car didn't have a handicapped license plate or a visible placard.

He told police the two argued and Morra poked him in the chest, shoved him and smashed his cell phone after he tried to take a picture of the elected official.

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