A member of the Fairhaven Planning Board, who’s also a constable, is accused of assaulting a disabled man.
Joseph Morra was charged Monday 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.
Police said Morra's car didn't have a handicapped license plate or a visible placard.
Police said the man began taking pictures of Morra's car with his cell phone.
According to police, the man said Morra displayed a badge to him and ordered him off the property while uttering expletives.
The man told police that Morra poked him in the chest and sternum several times and then shoved him, nearly knocking him to the ground.
As the man tried to take a cell phone picture of Morra's car, police said the planning board member slapped it from his hand, causing it to break on the pavement.
Morra is a constable appointed by the New Bedford City Council.
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