Woman Injured In 'Unprovoked Assault' In Greenwich: Police

GREENWICH, CT — A New York man is being held in lieu of $100,000 bond following what Greenwich police called "an unprovoked physical assault" on a woman over age 60 Thursday.

Officers dispatched to an assault call at 268 West Putnam Ave. found Steven Lopez, 31, "engaged in an unprovoked physical assault on the victim," police said.

An investigation determined Lopez, of Fresh Meadows, N.Y., opened the victim's car door without provocation, causing her to fear for her safety. She tried to run away from Lopez, but he grabbed her and placed her 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 struck Lopez numerous times before he released the woman from the chokehold, according to police.

"The victim and her son both believed that Lopez was placing the victim in grave danger," police said. "This was a random act of violence that caught the victim and her son completely off guard. They do not know nor ever met Lopez."

After sustaining injuries from the attack, the woman was treated and released from an area hospital, police said.

Lopez was admitted to a hospital for injuries he sustained, and was released late Friday night. He was charged with second-degree strangulation, third-degree assault of an elderly person, third-degree assault and second-degree breach of peace. He is slated to appear Feb. 26 in Stamford Superior Court.

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