3 Greenwich Men Face Assault Charges

Three Greenwich man are facing assault-related charges after a man was beaten early Saturday when he refused to give his last cigarette to one of the men, according to police.

Stamford Police were patrolling the area in front of the Ferguson Library at Broad and Atlantic streets about 2 a.m. Saturday when they saw three males assaulting another male, according to Stamford Police spokesman Sgt. Kelly Connelly.

The 21-year-old victim, who was in the company of his 37-year-old girlfriend, told police they were approached by the three men while waiting for an Uber taxi, Connelly said. The victim was assaulted by the trio after they demanded he give them a cigarette. He refused the demand because “the victim stated he had one left,” according to Connelly.

The victim stated that Eric Macken, 20, “became upset and demanded to know why the victim wouldn’t give him the cigarette. The victim stated he was punched in the face by Macken, causing him to fall to the ground and kicked in the head by (William) Rosato,” according to Connelly. During the assault, the victim’s girlfriend tried to intervene and she was shoved by the males as well.

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The three suspects didn’t have an explanation for the assault, Connelly said.

Macken, of Bird Song Place, Riverside, and Rosato, 21, of Cutler Road, were charged with third-degree assault, conspiracy at third-degree assault and second-degree breach of peace. Their bonds were set at $2,500 and are scheduled to appear July 31 in state Superior Court in Stamford.

The third suspect, identified as Richard Stafford, 21, of Lake Drive, was charged with second-degree breach of peace. His bond was $1000 and he also has a court date of July 31.

The victim suffered bruises to his face and legs, a cut to his mouth and his girlfriend had a bruise on her face as a result of intervening to help, Connelly said.

Photo: from left, Richard Stafford, William Rosato and Eric Macken. Credit: Stamford Police.