Rand Paul's Neighbor Allegedly Tackled Him Over Lawn Dispute

A landscaping dispute with a neighbor led to a physical altercation and broken ribs of Sen. Rand Paul last week. Neighbors told the New York Times that Paul and neighbor Rene Boucher had disagreed over lawn clippings or Paul's composting habits. Paul was reportedly stepping off a riding lawn mower when Boucher tackled him on Friday. Paul had been wearing earmuffs, and did not hear Boucher approaching. Boucher's lawyer said on Monday that the dispute between the two men was “over a matter that most people would regard as trivial.” Paul suffered five rib fractures from the incident, his office said. Boucher’s attorney, Matthew Baker, added that the alleged assault had “absolutely nothing to do with either’s politics or political agendas.” Jeremy Hodges, a spokesman for the Kentucky State Police, said prosecutors are considering upgrading the charge of fourth-degree assault against Boucher.