New Rochelle Commissioner Faces Charge For Altercation

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The City of New Rochelle's development commissioner has been accused of having a physical altercation with a security guard at Trump Plaza. Luiz Aragon, who lives in the building in downtown New Rochelle, was charged with second-degree harassment, and will be arraigned in city court Tuesday, the Journal News said.

Aragon could be seen on surveillance video interacting with the security guard in the elevator who was delivering newspapers. The elevator was supposed to be for residents.

The incident happened around 6 a.m. Friday.

Aragon was contacted by News 12, and he told the reporter that he and the guard were arguing about which elevator was supposed to be used to deliver newspapers.

The commissioner, who is gay, said he was called a homosexual slur by the guard.

Aragon told News 12 that he was sorry for losing his temper and his actions.

New Rochelle City Manager Charles Strome III issued a statement about Aragon.

"We are aware of an incident involving a city staff member which occurred last week, off-site and outside of business hours. No further comment at this time," Strome said in an emailed statement.

Second-degree harassment is a violation, according to the website FindLaw.

For more, including the surveillance video, go to News 12 here.

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