Updated 02/06/2009 11:05:24 PM EST
A Fayette County judge on Monday dismissed a charge of ethnic intimidation against a Smithfield man, finding that he harbored no hatred toward black people when he allegedly used racial slurs during a bar fight.
Judge Gerald R. Solomon dismissed the charge, which was lodged against Rickey A. Moore, 28. Moore is now charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct in an April 19 fight at Blondie’s Roadhouse in Georges Township.
Richard Blakey, who is black, testified previously that Moore, who is white, called him a racially motivated name at the bar. At the time, police indicated that Moore was arguing with a woman.
Solomon found that the fight wasn’t based on a hatred of black people, rather because Blakey involved himself in an argument between Moore and the woman.
The men allegedly got into a physical fight, and police alleged that Moore’s brother, Randy, arrived and joined in the fray. Randy Moore allegedly kicked Blakey in the face, partially blinding him.
In dismissing the ethnic intimidation charge, Solomon found the incident was “nothing more than a bar fight.”
Updated 02/06/2009 11:05:24 PM EST
©The Herald Standard 2009
