PROVIDENCE — Three men are facing misdemeanor charges for driving to Rhode Island to play a round of golf in violation of a state order that requires out-of-state visitors to self-quarantine for 14 days during the coronavirus pandemic, police said.
The Massachusetts men parked at a McDonald's restaurant in Richmond on Wednesday and loaded their gear into a car with Rhode Island plates, which drove them just down the street to Meadow Brook Golf Course, Richmond Chief Elwood Johnson said.
Golf courses in Rhode Island remain open, but only for residents.
McDonald's employees tipped off police, who caught up with the men when they returned to their cars.
Gregory Corbett, 51, of Attleboro; Tyler Pietrzyk, 22, of Taunton; and Nye Cameron, 22, of Taunton, were charged with a petty misdemeanor, Johnson said.
"It's not the most heinous offense, but the reality is that we're living in a whole different world this month and it's important we all follow the rules to keep one another safe," Johnson said.
The men were summoned to court on May 14. If convicted, they face a fine up to $500 or up to 90 days in jail. Their cases were not included in online court records, and it was unclear if they had attorneys.
Download the free Boston 25 News app for up-to-the-minute push alerts
>> Complete local and national coronavirus coverage here
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Watch Boston 25 NOW
RESOURCES:
- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information
- Boston Coronavirus Information
- Download our free apps for your phone and smart TV
[Resources for people feeling anxiety over COVID-19 can be found here and here]