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Parent arrested at youth game
BY STU SKERKER FOR THE SUN CHRONICLE
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 9:48 AM EST




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Man to face charges
ATTLEBORO - An Attleboro parent is facing disorderly conduct charges after being arrested at a youth basketball game Saturday morning.

Christopher Paquette, 35, of 685 South Main St., was arrested by police after allegedly yelling and swearing after being ejected from his 10-year-old daughter's basketball game in the Attleboro High School gymnasium.

He is scheduled to report to Attleboro District Court on Wednesday to respond to the disorderly conduct charges.

In an interview later Saturday afternoon, Paquette said a referee and police have overblown the incident, and he believes an Attleboro officer used excessive force during his arrest.

According to police reports, officers were called to the gym because a disorderly parent refused to leave. Officers said they tried to calm Paquette down, but were unsuccessful. After asking Paquette to calm down at least six times, the report said, officers were able to convince him to leave the building. Officers said he continued to yell and swear as he walked outside of the building.

Officers said they again tried to calm Paquette down and, when unsuccessful, placed him under arrest.

Paquette's account of the incident, however, differs from that of police.

He said he became upset by some of the calls made by the referee during the game. He said he made some comments to the referee, and was asked to leave the game. He said he left the gym and stood in a hallway because he didn't want his daughter to think she had been left alone.

He said he did not yell or swear, and couldn't understand why he was being ejected. He also said other parents were prepared to file a complaint against the referee for some of the calls that were made.

Paquette said the referee later asked him to leave the building entirely, to which he complied. He said he was approached by officers while standing outside the school.

Paquette said one of three Attleboro officers at the scene, spoke down to him and was rude. Paquette said the officer told him he had better things to do with his Saturday than come to a disturbance call, and things became ugly very quickly.

Paquette, a father of six, is a dry-wall construction worker and was laid off last week.

Paquette said he plans on filing a complaint against the officers and is looking for an attorney.
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givemeabreakwillya wrote on Mar 9, 2009 6:56 AM:

" Prents are out of control at sporting events- Good Im glad- this guys should be ashamed of himeself and deserves what is coming to him "

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shameless wrote on Feb 12, 2009 6:15 PM:

" Jose- dont worry about it, just because you arent bashing this man they will harass you. The tapes WILL show everything. This will all be over soon, "

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jose21 wrote on Feb 12, 2009 3:20 PM:

" John doe - what words? I said I hope the look at the tape, because the tape won't lie. I hope he does have his day in court and the tapes is reviewed; I'm not sure how you're reading into that, but just so we're clear, I'd guess the APD did their job and had reason to arrest the man. But I wasn't there, so good thing there is a tape. "

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jrjrg123 wrote on Feb 11, 2009 10:51 PM:

" Either way. What do you figure, if found inocent? nothing at all. Guilty or plea bargin what will happen ?? Lets hear from everone who made a comment here ? If guilty what is the sentance ? Come on lets keep this thread going !! I bet nothing will happen or basicly 6 to 12 mos probation, counceling, court cost,continued wtihout finding. If the guy has a clean record, Dismissed with court cost. Dave L, Keep us posted. "

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john doe wrote on Feb 11, 2009 6:37 PM:

" Jose2..........I hope you remember your words when the tape is released. I think your going to be pretty suprised! "

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offended wrote on Feb 10, 2009 10:29 AM:

" It seems like part of showing spirit and support for a team is yelling out 'good call', 'come on!', 'great shot', '3 seconds?'...whatever. Most spectators do it. And Meister, I've seen coaches sit in the stands and do it louder than anyone. I bet whatever Paquette said was not directed personally TO the ref. From another blog I hear it's normal for coaches to swear, yell and belittle the players (good for the game)and I'm told to stop 'whining' about it. We're 'wimpifying the kids' - remember that? Everyone is splitting hairs over conduct that is widely accepted by EVERYONE at a sporting event. "

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jose21 wrote on Feb 10, 2009 9:45 AM:

" shameless - you bring up a good point. I hope the man has his day in court and the tape is looked at. The tape won't lie. "

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ricknkim wrote on Feb 10, 2009 9:27 AM:

" Good people can do stupid things - it happens all the time when we're under stress and allow things to explode. That does not excuse poor behavior, it simply acknowledges that even nice people can make mistakes. The man could be guilty as charged or the arresting officer could have been overzealous and elevated the situation far above where it should have been.

Unfortunately the masses have grown tired of substantiated story after story of poor parental behavior at youth sporting events. I think that low-patience level is showing on this blog with little sympathy for the accused and assumption of guilt. I think it is just easier to believe law enforcement out of respect for their authority and how it was presented in the article. Something happened to prompt school officials to call police in the 1st place. "

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shameless wrote on Feb 10, 2009 8:41 AM:

" Prosecuted and convicted?.. for disorderly conduct?.. HELLO.. its a misdemeanor. Get a grip. AGAIN, unless you were there and know what happened, I would all just back off. What happened to innocent until proven guilty?? Is'nt that his fundamental right?. Oh thats right, The police NEVER lie. Only the citizens do. I saw what went down and the police officer had no right to arrested this man, he complied with them completely, Everything was calm until Mr, Paquette wanted to WALK off school grounds because he wanted his family to have a way home, due to only having one car at the site. If he left his family there with no transportation, this probably would have played out much differently, so he decided to walk off the property, which I guess was not good enough for this attleboro cop. Maybe if the high school would spit over the security tape this would clear this man completely!..All this happened outside of the school, right in front of security cameras. I hope this man is vindicated. He and his family deserve it! "

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Meister wrote on Feb 10, 2009 7:16 AM:

" Typical behavior of an ill-mannered, poorly educated parent who is trying to live vicariously through a child. Irrespective of the validity of an official's call, it is not the jurisdiction of the parent question that call. And, if the parent believes he or she could do a better job, then they should put on the "stripes." I have the same remarks who criticize coaching staff. If you can do it better, then undertake the task. Otherwise, keep your mouth shut and set a positive example. Personally, I hope this dope is prosecuted and convicted. That would be the best example. "

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kevin goodwin wrote on Feb 10, 2009 3:10 AM:

" I agree with the power trip comments of the APD. It has grown worse over the years, and I have witnessed and been a victim of it myself.

There is not much you can do about it unfortunately. A well known APD officer lied to my face, lied on the citation he wrote, and later told me to watch my back when I went to the station to file a complaint, This is the same officer who was featured on stop signs prior to my incident--so I know I am not the only one.

There is nothing I can do about it right now, but karma will get him eventually.

I was also at the game, and the mother who called about the disturbance acted like an idiot from watching too many parents gone crazy local news stories. This was way over blown--and the officer who arrived was ridiculous. "

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071297 wrote on Feb 9, 2009 7:54 PM:

" There are a million Paquette's in this world they run their mouths and nine out of ten times nothing happens. He is very lucky that he only got arrested and didn't get his lights punched out for acting likeadink by a parent fed up parent who's daughter he was running his mouth in front of. I clean up your act tuff guy the kids are the only ones your scaring "

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Southern View wrote on Feb 9, 2009 6:26 PM:

" It should be a law that forbids some people from having children. Also, if they do, they should not be allowed to attend any youth sporting events. "

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bdp wrote on Feb 9, 2009 5:23 PM:

" I was there and yes I saw Mr Paquette yell TO (not at) the ref "3 secs?" It was not confrontational nor was he swearing. Yes the ref thru him out-Zero Tolerance! we get why and understand it, so he left the gym and went into the hallway. This was not good enough for the ref and he demanded him to leave the building and started screaming like a lunatic for the cops to be called. There were no cops dragging him out of the gym or swearing and fighting..completely blown out of proportion! So here is a dad getting arrested and you know who gets hurt the most out of this? His daughter!! She was scared becasue she didn't know where her dad was, she went to school today and was the talk of 5th grade..why becase parents don't know how to keep to themselves and keep the kids out of earshot!
Also..It is funny how AYBA has an issue with a parent but when their 8th grade Metro coach yells and swears at the 13 yr old girls during the game that HE needs to win and makes them cry they don't do anything to him!!! I didn't see any cops being called at that game? What no Zero Tolerance for the coaches? "

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jdr wrote on Feb 9, 2009 3:55 PM:

" I'll give both parties benefit of the doubt and assume the truth was somewhere between the police and the parent's story. That being the case, he was out of line. By the wa, WHERE WERE THE OTHER PARENTS? A parent gets out of hand at my child's game and the other parent's get on his/her case. In some states, the a parent from each team is assigned the S.A.G.E.- Set A Good Example, who job it is the reprimand the unruly parents. A good team picks a different parent each game, thus everyone gets the responsibility. Not to mention most towns (Attleboro) REGQUIRE parents to sign a good conduct release for all rec sports. "I promise to be a good sport...". "

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publius wrote on Feb 9, 2009 2:37 PM:

" Maybe the Police should have a questionair to hand out in the middle of each disorderly person call.

It could inquire about employment status, mental capacity, how much he paid for sports particpation, etc. Right.

The controlling authority, the ref, ejected the guy. That is the rule. It is in the parents code of conduct. I signed one as a coach and as a parent. The ref rules, end of story. If the ref screws up, complain to the league.

But this guy when brought outside, would not leave. If he just left this would not be an issue. The Police Officer begged this guy to leave and he just would not.

The Police not only have a duty to intervene when someone is being disorderly, but if the person is not going to cease his dicorderly conduct, the Police have duty to act. The Police are not there to negotiate bad calls by a youth sports ref. "

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wretched ron wrote on Feb 9, 2009 1:47 PM:

" Six kids and layed off last week? You people who are crucifying Chris need to step back and put yourself in his position. He loves his kids and is VERY active in their sports activities. If you weren't there then shut up!! Sounds like the people who were there (supposedly) are in his defense. It definately could've happened either way. But, I know Chris personally and this doesn't sound like him at all. Cut him some f'n slack!! "

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goodman wrote on Feb 9, 2009 1:34 PM:

" This guy sounds like a class A moron. What a punk. Someone should have taken him outside and kicked his butt. "

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sunfan wrote on Feb 9, 2009 1:15 PM:

" Parents, STAY HOME if you can't watch your kids play sports without going ballistic if things don't go their way. Nobody wants to see your immature temper tantrums, and you're setting a lousy example for your kids. You're an embarrassment to kids and parents everywhere. "

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obsrvr wrote on Feb 9, 2009 11:40 AM:

" time, you asked about zero tolerance - "where does it begin"?? it begins right there..zero, nilch, nada, none..whether or not the ref overreacted, that is beside the point..once he asked him to leave, that was it..and as for the police, given the paperwork and time that are involved in every arrest, this is something they surely wouldn't do unless they felt it was warranted..i'd like to see how many parents from the opposing team testify on mr. paquette's behalf..of course the parents of his daughter's teammates are going to jump on his side (as the ref was apparently slanted against Attleboro). "

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jose21 wrote on Feb 9, 2009 11:10 AM:

" Aww, the police were rude to him, poor baby. Even if he was unjustly ejected, what kind of example is he setting by argueing with the police? I feel bad for his poor daughter, i can imagine that this was a traumatic experience for her. "

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ricknkim wrote on Feb 9, 2009 10:45 AM:

" I wasn't at the game so can only go off of what is in the paper/based upon police reports. My own experiences attending youth sports games are both good and bad. There is almost always good competition and fun for the kids that is enjoyable to watch but unfortunately, there is almost always a few over-zealous parents acting like fools. Sometimes I wonder if they have their old varsity jackets on under there clothes and are more like "Uncle Rico" on Napolean Dynamite.

I'd give the guy the benefit of doubt but based upon past experience, he probably stepped over the bounds of a proud parent and into obnoxious . . . we'll see.

For those who claim to have been at the game, do your children by chance play for the same team as Mr. Paquette? Are any of you friends with Mr. Paquette? Were you outside when police were asking Mr. P to calm down prior to arrest? Just curious and always interested in full disclosure. "

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Jim7777 wrote on Feb 9, 2009 9:45 AM:

" One Question? This was a 10year old Youth Basketball Game? Right, and this man is yelling at the refs and gets ejected from a youth backetball game. WOW, from the entries below, I see it was really important, a three second violation. Grown up, Mr. Paquette and act your age. This is the problem with all youth sports, the parents placing way to much importance in the game. 10 year old youth basketball, right, and yet I see people defending the man. Shame on you all. Let the kids play.

Oh yea, it is alway nice to take shots at the Police and blame them. How about take responsability for your acts, Mr. Paquette said "The police over-reacted" I this he over-reacted at youth basketball game. "

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forthekids10 wrote on Feb 9, 2009 6:53 AM:

" I was at this game, and Mr. Paquette NEVER used profanity. He just yelled out, and I quote 3 seconds on #11 ref. THAT WAS IT and he got ejected from the game for that. The ref blew this way way way out of proportion and scared the living hell out of those young girls. My daughter is actually afraid to go to her championship game this coming week for fear that this ref will be there. He is the one that should have been arrested, not Mr. Paquette. He screamed at the top of his lungs like a lunatic and put these girls in fear, and Mr. Paquettes daughter had tears in her eyes watching her father leave believing she didnt have a ride home, but its supposed to be all about the children right??? That ref ought to get a little thicker skin if he cant take a few things being pointed out to him. If he did his job correctly and called things fairly this probably wouldnt have happened. "

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outtahere wrote on Feb 8, 2009 8:27 PM:

" Leave it alone! The guy was asked to leave and went outside. Arrested for what?? There was a time, not long ago, when you had to actually do something to be arrested. Because a few crazies have gone of the deep end, we assume everyone who disagrees at a sporting event is a potential danger. We are building a fake world for our children because of fear and sensationalism. Wait till they get out there and mix with the normal world,they learn to never question authority and cringe from any emotion or confrontation. "

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publius wrote on Feb 8, 2009 6:04 PM:

" The cops get there and make the arrest based on the conduct they see. They were called for a disorderly person. Unless any of you were OUTSIDE where the arrest too place, you don't know what happened.

The Police asked this man to leave a dozen times. They pleaded with him to go so they woudn't have to do this. No Police Officer wants to have to deal with this. It is a losing situation. "

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citywatch wrote on Feb 8, 2009 5:54 PM:

" IF THE INCIDENT WAS NO BIG DEAL, THEN WHY DID THE SCHOOL CALL THE POLICE? MAYBE WE SHOULD ALL WAIT AND LET THE COURT DECIDE WHAT HAPPENS, AFTER ALL THIS IS AMERICA. "

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shameless wrote on Feb 8, 2009 5:38 PM:

" wow..nice things to say about the kids. So grown up. go get a life realist, Its beautiful outside go play frisbee or something. UNbelievable!! "

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realist wrote on Feb 8, 2009 4:47 PM:

" I hope Mr. Paquette finds a good lawyer. His children are going to need years of therapy. "

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bhark70 wrote on Feb 8, 2009 4:04 PM:

" The police were rude and talked down to him? Didn't he talk down to the refs during the game? Rules are rules, shut up and let the kids play. Leave them alone. It's not playoffs, it's kids basketball. My sons team lost Saturday, I'm gonna file a complaint. None should lose, they all should win. My son is just fine today. Enough of this crap. Why are cops always wrong and never the criminal?. The cops harrassing the guy on 95 southbound on northbound lane? The cops must be wrong. Sue them, lawyer up!!!!! "

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timewilltell6 wrote on Feb 8, 2009 3:26 PM:

" Why am I the one getting bashed now? Because I defended this man?. You can bash him, I can defend him. I saw what I saw and I am sure there are alot of people who witnessed it. I am speaking from one point of view as you all are. This man will have his day in court and he needs to know there are people behind him and are on his side. What I saw was not right on the part of the police, I never said the offical was wrong, I agreed with the zero tolerance rule. What I witnessed with the police officer was not called for. Thats just what I witnessed. I am one person. So if you feel the need to bash me, if that makes you sleep better at night, because I am stating what I saw and what I felt was wrong, so be it. And how does this man losing his job come into play? I agree with shameless, why bring his wife and family into this?..As if bashing him isnt hurting them enough. "

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shameless wrote on Feb 8, 2009 2:58 PM:

" What is everyone getting all worked up here about, You all come here and slam each other when this was made for comments, not bashing. I was at the game, I also saw what happened. He was not yelling or screaming, I dont understand where that came from. Anyway, as for the testifing against the police officer. As long as you tell the truth, justice will prevail. And I feel, Mr. Paquette needs justice. Yes, you are correct this is not pro. But in a childs eyes this is the playoffs they look at it seriously. They have worked hard all year to get to this point. They should have it fairly called. They deserve it. EVERY parent has been guilty of getting too involved at a childs game, yelling "aw ref come on" or " bad call" or yelling for the foul as it happens. I see it continously every week. So for you to come on her and condem one father who got picked out of the crowd and pick him apart, not just him, but his family too? That is just low. You need to go find something constructive to do, and leave this man and his family alone. "

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sausageman wrote on Feb 8, 2009 1:56 PM:

" I had a feeling this guy was under too much stress. I'm sure losing his job has been all that's been on his mind. Show a little compassion, you could be next. "

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nannystate wrote on Feb 8, 2009 1:17 PM:

" When many read a newspaper they believe every word. Reporters gather their information from all sorts of sources not all true not all just. Sensationalism sells papers and many times the truth is not so sensational. Do any of you truly hold fast to such an adage as... the sun chronicle wrote it, I believe it, that settles it???" Check yourselves before you overdose on printed pages of one persons take on any subject or story. "

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071297 wrote on Feb 8, 2009 12:56 PM:

" Mr Paquette should give serious consideration to auditioning for "VH1's Tool Academey" I cant stand the parents that go to these games and want their children to be something they never could and then when their kid or kids team dont get it done its the ref's fault. Mr Pauette did you lose your job because of your attitude or is it the economy's fault. Maybe you can find work out of state so your wife and six kids dont have to be embarrassed every Saturday
' "

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jrjrg123 wrote on Feb 8, 2009 12:47 PM:

" Thank god,for witnesses like timewilltell6.

enuffalready wrote: people aren't just thrown out of buildings or arrested for being calm like he claims he was. If more arrests like this would take place at sports events then maybe idiots like Paquette would learn to shut their mouths." enuffalready should go back to the 3rd world dictatorship of his origin. This is America. Freedom of speach ? Who knows anymore ?

The Police are not always right.People become afraid to testify against the police for fear of retailiation. It is apparent that there is a very credible witness right on this page. Will they come forward ? Time will tell ? "

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enuffalready wrote on Feb 8, 2009 12:47 PM:

" Time, if you want to yell at referees because you "paid your money" then go to a pro sports game and yell. Again, if more cops and site supervisors would do this then we would see less of it. Sorry to take you away from your formal letter to the AYBA commisioner about just how horrible the calls were. That's a noble cause for sure. "

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tahraann wrote on Feb 8, 2009 10:27 AM:

" i cant stand the way police officers abuse their power. good. file charges. maybe this officer will learn a lesson. "

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timewilltell6 wrote on Feb 8, 2009 10:15 AM:

" It is funny how people can come on here and past judgement about something they were not there for nor know about. Were you there? If you were, you would know what happened. As for filing a complaint against the ref for bad calls, no matter what age your child is playing at, calls should be made appropriately. Isn't that what our money is paying them for?.. I understand the zero tolerance rule, I am for it, but where does it begin and end? Asking a question, or making a statement about a bad call, warrent's arrest? I was there, I saw what happened and there was no excuse for the actions of this attleboro officer. No yelling was done, no swearing was witnessed, just a officer who felt on top of the world and wanted to prove he could do what he wanted. This father left the gym when told, left the building when told, when tried to leave the premises was arrested. I witnessed it I know, so unless you were there and know what happened, you should let well enough alone. Also, As for the name calling, would'nt you consider your demeanor a bit obnoxious. I would. Grow up. No need to knock someone when you have'nt a clue to the facts. "

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Jbarbara11 wrote on Feb 8, 2009 9:23 AM:

" Nice work "dad" once again another obnoxious parent embarrasses his child at a "youth sports game'not to mention any one he's sitting near. Thank you Attleboro Police .. "

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lonicutter wrote on Feb 8, 2009 9:07 AM:

" It sounds to me that Mr. Paquette hasn't gotten the message yet. YOUTH sports are not PRO sports. And if he is going to follow his child's sports career through high school, he better understand that quick! I always used a bad ref to explain to my kids about how they should face adversity head on and, some bad things that will happen won't have anything to do with them, they should still approach whatever they are doing with their best effort NO MATTER WHAT. What he just taught his daughter is that she should curse and scream if things don't go her way...typical hot head response. "

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enuffalready wrote on Feb 8, 2009 7:42 AM:

" Paquette is a loudmouth who got what he deserved. He was "going to file a complaint against the refs for calls made"??? Are you serious? This was a youth basketball game. He is an embarassment to himself and his children. I'm glad the Attleboro police did the right thing. People aren't just thrown out of buildings or arrested for being calm like he claims he was. If more arrests like this would take place at sports events then maybe idiots like Paquette would learn to shut their mouths. "

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outfall1945 wrote on Feb 8, 2009 3:48 AM:

" Attleboros finest at work. some of them are good ploice men and some of them let their position with power turn them into little Naxis "

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