Man in court over post office incident

A Rixeyville man was in court Wednesday to answer an assault charge police say stemmed from a Christmas Eve disagreement over a parking space.

Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Jim Fox said Richard B. Ferris, 57, of the 8200 block of River Hills Lane, is charged with misdemeanor assault.

According to Fox, the incident began around 9 a.m. on Dec. 24 at the Rixeyville Post Office on Rixeyville Road.

Fox said Ferris and an unidentified 64-year-old man apparently began arguing outside the post office over an improperly parked vehicle.

The confrontation continued inside, where the assault is alleged to have taken place.

Fox said the victim was taken to Fauquier Hospital with a shoulder injury.

Ferris was arrested Dec. 26 and released on $2,000 bond.

He is next due in General District Court Feb. 18.