Fall River Man Sentenced for Assault of Elderly Couple

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — A 40-year-old Fall River man who assaulted an elderly couple at a city gas station last September has been sentenced to jail.

Roderick Dixon, 40, pled guilty in Fall River District Court last week to charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person over the age of 60 and assault and battery on a person over the age of 60.

On September 2, 2022, Fall River Police were dispatched to the New World Gas Station on Milliken Boulevard for a report of a fight. Upon arrival, police observed two victims who were on the scene with injuries, but Dixon had left the scene.

Get our free mobile app

The female victim allegedly reported that while her husband was arguing with a woman at the gas pumps, Dixon approached him and began hitting him in the head, and continued to do so while he was on the ground.

The victim stated she allegedly attempted to stop the altercation but was pushed away by Dixon and injured her wrist due to falling. According to reports, both victims were transported to St. Anne's Hospital, where the male victim suffered a dislocated shoulder, and the female victim had bones separated in her wrist.

Surveillance video obtained from police showed Dixon stomping on the victim and hitting him multiple times while he was on the ground.

According to police, Dixon became involved in the altercation, stating that he was coming to the defense of a young lady. He alleged the male victim was yelling at her before the argument became physical. Dixon allegedly told police that he "saw red" and continued to punch the victim.

Dixon was sentenced by Judge David Sorrenti to two years in the Bristol County House of Corrections with nine months to serve. The balance of the jail sentence was suspended for two years. If Dixon faces a new charge during this time, he would be liable to serve the remainder of the sentence.

"This is another example of the senseless violence that occurs far too often in our society. I am pleased the defendant will be held accountable for his violent actions," District Attorney Thomas Quinn said.