Man charged with firing starter gun.

Byline: Brian Lee

STURBRIDGE - A 63-year-old Palmer man pleaded not guilty yesterday in Dudley District Court to allegations he fired rounds from a starter gun during a dispute with a neighbor last weekend at Tantasqua Shore Drive.

Frederick C. Rathbone Jr., 2 Woodland St., was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, driving under the influence of alcohol, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.

Mr. Rathbone has a summer residence at 8 Tantasqua Shore Drive. The gun was retrieved from Mr. Rathbone's car, according to a police report.

Judge Robert L. Howarth released Mr. Rathbone on personal recognizance and scheduled a pretrial hearing for Aug. 29.

The incident was reported just after 7 p.m. Saturday.

Police said witnesses reported a man in blue jean shorts and a black T-shirt walking down the road firing rounds. Police came upon Mr. Rathbone and found that his speech was slurred, his eyes bloodshot, and his breath smelled moderately of alcohol. He was also unsteady on his feet.

Mr. Rathbone had been arguing with Francis P. Santo of 9 Tantasqua Shore Drive, police said. Mr. Rathbone alleged the neighbor had reached into his car and assaulted him, the report said.

Mr. Rathbone then allegedly sped away, stopped 30 yards up the road, and got out of his vehicle and fired a round in the air.

Mr. Santo, 45, stated he was not afraid of Mr. Rathbone and walked toward him, police said.

Mr. Rathbone then pointed the gun at Mr. Santo and fired at least two more rounds, according to witness accounts in a police report.

Mr. Santo then got into his car and sped off; Mr. Rathbone returned to his residence.

Police said the starter gun and pepper spray were retrieved from inside Mr. Rathbone's unlocked 2007 gray Honda Accord. Mr. Rathbone has an active firearm ID card, said police.