Massachusetts attorney gets a year in jail for pulling gun during parking dispute

Nov. 15 (UPI) -- A Massachusetts attorney was given a year in jail after a jury found him guilty of pulling out a handgun during a dispute about a parking spot at the Liberty Tree Mall on Veterans Day 2012.

Richard Connors, 61, was found guilty of one count of assault with a dangerous weapon for pointing a Kahr 9mm handgun at a Beverly man while they argued about parking. A judge dismissed a second count of assault with a dangerous weapon that stemmed from Connors also allegedly possessing a can of mace.

The victim, a 30-year-old man, became impatient while waiting for a woman driving a BMW, later identified as Connors’ wife, to pull out of her parking space.

The woman and the victim exchanged words, at which point Connors got out of the passenger side of the BMW and approached the victim’s car. As the victim attempted to get out of his vehicle, Connors pushed the door closed and pointed a gun at him.

The BMW drove away, but not before the victim called 911 and took down the license plate. The victim quickly identified Connors from a lineup saying he had an "angry-type face."

Connors and his attorney attempted to argue that the victim, who has a criminal record, was the aggressor in the situation.

Although he will be eligible for parole after serving half of the sentence, Connors is also expected to face disciplinary action by the state Board of Bar Overseers.

[Salem News]