Woman Accused of Throwing Hot Oil on Firefighter Released on Recognizance

A Framingham District Court judge on Tuesday released Rita Gordon on personal recognizance following her arraignment on charges she threw hot oil in the face of a Wayland firefighter.

According to a spokeswoman with the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, prosecutors asked for Gordon to be held on $1,500 cash bail. A judge, however, ruled that she be released on the condition that she comply with any mental health assessments deemed necessary by the probation department.

Gordon, who was identified as Rita Warren in a Wayland police press release, has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault on a public employee following an incident at a King Street apartment on Tuesday.

The Wayland Fire Department said it responded to a call at 1 King Street, Apartment 1 at 12:20 p.m. Tuesday and found an unattended gas stove, items strewn about and a smoky haze in the apartment.

When Wayland firefighter Dean Casali located the 72-year-old resident in the apartment's living room, police say she threw a frying pan of hot oil in his face.

Gordon is due back in court on Nov. 20.

Casali is listed in good condition at Massachusetts General Hospital, according to a spokesperson.