Lawyer: Neighbor’s clash with Paul on trivial matter
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The man accused of attacking Sen. Rand Paul was a close neighbor who was “not politically motivated” when he tackled him, the suspect’s lawyer said Monday.
Rene Boucher, 59, of Bowling Green, was arrested Friday and charged with misdemeanor fourth-degree assault.
Paul suffered five broken ribs in the incident, a spokesman for the Kentucky senator said.
“Senator Paul and Dr. Boucher have been next door neighbors for 17 years,” Matthew J. Baker, Boucher’s attorney, said in a statement. “The unfortunate occurrence of November 3rd has absolutely nothing to do with either’s politics or political agendas. It was a very regrettable dispute between two neighbors over a matter that most people would regard as trivial.”
A spokesman for Paul said the injury would cause him to miss work.
“Senator Paul has five rib fractures including three displaced fractures. This type of injury is caused by high velocity severe force. It is not clear exactly how soon he will return to work, as the pain is considerable as is the difficulty in getting around, including flying,” said Doug Stafford, a senior adviser to Paul, in a statement. “This type of injury is also accompanied by severe pain that can last weeks to months.”
An arrest warrant obtained by the
Courier Journal stated that Boucher allegedly “tackled him from behind.”
Boucher was released from the Warren County Detention Center on Saturday after posting a $7,500 bond, according to Kentucky State Police.
Voter records from March show Boucher registered as a Democrat.