On Thursday Greenwich Police were detailed to 268 West Putnam Ave on a report of a man who assaulted a female victim.
The responding officers found Steven Lopez, 31, of Fresh Meadows, NY engaged in an unprovoked physical assault on the victim, who was over 60 years old.
Police say that without provocation, Lopez opened the victim’s car door, which caused the victim to fear for her safety. The victim tried to run away
from Lopez, but he was able to grab her.
Lopez placed the victim in a chokehold as she was attempting to seek help from patrons within the establishment by banging on the exterior glass.
The victim’s son saw what was transpiring and ran to his mother’s safety. He needed to strike Lopez numerous times before he released
the victim from the chokehold.
The victim and her son both believed that Lopez was placing the victim in grave danger. The victim sustained injuries from the attack. The victim was transported to the hospital and later released after being treated.
Lopez was transported to the hospital for injuries he sustained. He needed to be admitted to the hospital and was released from their care on Friday in the late evening.
Greenwich Police posted an Officer at the hospital during Lopez’s admittance and transported him to Greenwich Police Headquarters upon his release.
Lopez was charged with the following:
• Strangulation 2nd Degree – 53a-64bb
• Assault 3rd Degree of an Elderly Person – 53a-61a
• Assault 3rd Degree – 53a-61
• Breach of Peace – 53a-181
Lopez was unable to post his $100,000 bond and remained in Greenwich custody. He was assigned a date in Stamford Superior Court on Feb 26, 2021 at 9:00am.
Police say the incident was a random act of violence that caught the victim and her son completely off guard. They do not know nor ever met Lopez.
Crime can happen anywhere and at any time. Due to the randomness of crime, there are a few precautions we all can take to reduce the risk and discourage those who commit crimes.
• Always be alert and aware of the people around you.
• Educate yourself concerning prevention tactics.
• Be aware of locations and situations which would make you appear vulnerable to crime, such as alleys and dark parking lots.