GREENFIELD — A man was arraigned Wednesday for allegedly attacking his neighbors with bear repellent and throwing a bottle of Taco Bell Fire Sauce at their car.
Erik Grippo, 39, of Greenfield, was arraigned in Greenfield District Court on charges of vandalism and eight counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Six of the assault and battery charges are against children and resulting in injury.
Judge William Mazanec III ordered he undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine “criminal responsibility.” Grippo spent time in the hospital for psychiatric issues following the alleged attack.
According to a police report by Greenfield Police Officer Brent Griffin, on Sept. 22, he responded to a report of a disturbance on Verde Drive. There, he found Grippo’s neighbors, a family of five, suffering from red and watery eyes, coughing and “slight” signs of respiratory discomfort.
Oleg T. Petcu, 37, the father of the family, told Griffin that Grippo threw a bottle of hot sauce at their van, then sprayed Petcu, his wife and three children with a substance, later determined to be bear repellent.
Griffin observed a small dent on the vehicle, with a bottle of Taco Bell Fire Sauce on the ground close by, according to his statement included among court documents.
According to Griffin’s report, the “Magnum Bear Spray” allegedly used is intended to deter or stop bear attacks, and a spray from the can creates a 30-foot fog.
Griffin himself could detect the presence of the bear repellent still in the air and began experiencing mild irritation. Ultimately, no one needed medical attention, Griffin’s report states.
When confronted by police, Grippo admitted to spraying his neighbors, and said he felt threatened and believed they were “Russian spies,” according to the report.
Grippo is due back in court for a pretrial conference on March 23. His attorney is Thomas H. Estes Jr.
Reach David McLellan at dmclellan@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 268.