WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — Windsor Locks police have arrested a man accused of viciously attacking a 70-year-old woman on Thursday morning.
Alexander Lesuer Russell, 40, is being held on a $150,000 bond with charges of Assault in the 1st Degree on an Elderly Person and Reckless Endangerment in the 1st Degree.
Police said at approximately 9:54 a.m., the woman, from Windsor Locks, was exercise walk/jogging in the area of 34 Old Country Road.
Suddenly the accused ran behind her "viciously" striking her on the back of the head with a closed fist causing her to fall to the ground, police said. When the woman fell she sustained what appears to be broken fingers from the fall.
The victim lay helpless with serious lacerations to the back of her head from the punch and was seriously injured, according to police.
Windsor Locks police got a 911 call from an uninvolved party who reported a man had just assaulted the victim. Officers then responded and provided medical help while other units, including K-9, canvassed the area for the attacker.
Russell was found by the Connecticut State Police Troopers on their property, Schoeposter Road, where he was detained. Windsor Locks police went to the scene and identified Russell. He was then taken into custody.
The victim remains hospitalized with a serious head injury.
Residents are saddened to hear of the news, including a neighbor who asked not to be shown on camera. She also walks in this neighborhood and said she’ll be more alert.
“It’s certainly shocking but not surprising. Here in Windsor locks, because of the airport, service industries, many hotels, much more a transient neighborhood than it has been over many years and those of us who are residents here realize that we have to be more cautious,” she said.
Police believe Russell is not from the area. They said he acted alone and there is no immediate threat to the public.
“He did not rob her. He did not steal anything. Once she went down, he moved on,” Lt. Paul Cherniack said.
Police are encouraging neighbors to be aware of what’s happening around them.
“This one, of course strikes me, and I had neighbors come down right away after this happened knowing that I’m an elderly lady who walks everyday and I have a collection of sticks. I was grateful for their concern and I will probably be a little bit more careful,” she added.
Police said the victim and Russell do not know each other and the motive is unknown at this time.
Russell's court date is on October 7.
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