Facebook Leads to Violent Domestic Fight

Barnstable police arrested a New Bedford man Wednesday night after a resident reported being threatened with a gun in a domestic violence assault because of Facebook, police said.

The Barnstable police tracked down, issued a warrant and asked New Bedford police take the suspect, Richard Perry, 40, of 29 Roberts St. into custody and deliver him to BPD headquarters, according to a police report.

Barnstable police charged Perry with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, and threat to commit domestic violence murder.

According to police reports, Perry allegedly refused to leave the victim's home after a fight escalated about Facebook messages. 

During the incident that lasted several hours, Perry told the victim that he was going outside to get a CD from his car. When Perry returned, the victim said she felt something press into the back of her head. A few seconds later she realized it was a gun.

Perry allegedly held onto the gun and told the victim he was going to "take her out." He threatened to shoot the gun after she tried to get him to release it from his grip. 

The victim said she "felt hostage in her own home." Perry did not leave until about 6:55 a.m.

The victim did not call police right after the incident.

She finally called because Perry had been sending threatening text messages.

According to the arrest report the messages said, "Don't piss him off, I guess you think I am a joke, I got you."

The victim was upset and crying when she mentioned the gun involved. 

New Bedford police found a BB gun in Perry's car when they took him into custody.

 Perry  said he wanted to give the victim the gun so she could kill herself, according to Barnstable police reports.

The victim did not know it was not a real handgun.

Perry pleaded not guilty to all charges and bail was set at $5,000.