Police Charge Man With Assault At Belle Isle Marsh
BOSTON (CBS) – A man charged in a recent assault at Belle Isle Marsh Reservation in East Boston was ordered held on $25,000 bail.
Michael Bruzzese, 51, was charged with the June 1 assault of a 67-year-old Lynn man.
Bruzzese had a temporary residence in Cambridge and previously lived in Hingham.
He is charged with assault and battery on a person over 60, breaking and entering of a vehicle during the daytime, larceny and unarmed robbery on a person over 60.
State Police said that at this point in the investigation, Bruzzese's arrest is not connected to the death of 83-year-old Daniel Pepe, who died three days after he was injured at Belle Isle Marsh.
"The State Police investigation into how Mr. Pepe suffered his injuries is ongoing, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not yet ruled on the cause and manner of Mr. Pepe's death," State Police said.
At the time of his Thursday arrest, Bruzzese was on probation for a previous breaking and entering conviction.
During Bruzzese's arraignment, prosecutors said the victim was hit in the face and Bruzzese then stole several hundred dollars from the man's car.
Defense attorneys said Bruzzese was "in the process of getting his life back" after his previous conviction.
The defense asked for Bruzzese to be released on personal recognizance. Instead, the judge set bail at $25,000.
It was a beautiful day at Belle Isle Marsh, but these days, there are fewer people here--at least that's the opinion of locals who say they've been coming to the place for years.
"I guess they heard what happened, its really quieted down here," said one park visitor. "Its a sad a sad thing to see."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports