City Employee Charged With Assault at Charles Barrett Recreation Center

Alexandria police have arrested an employee of the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities for physical assault of a child that occurred Wednesday night about 7 p.m.

Robert Gordon, 55, of Temple Hills, Md., was charged with one count of assault and battery following an investigation into a physical altercation with an 11-year-old boy which occurred during a basketball game at the Charles Barrett Recreation Center, according to police.

Gordon is the center’s director. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Adult Detention Center.

A letter from the Recreation and Parks Department was sent to Charles Barrett parents and guardians notifying them of the incident.

"Mr. Gordon will not be working and will not be on the Charles Barrett Elementary School or Recreation Center property, pending the outcome of the law enforcement and RPCA/Human Resources Department investigation," RPRA Center Deputy Director William Chesley wrote.

Recreation Services Division Chief Leslie Clark will fill in as needed until further notice, according to the letter.