A 70-year-old Massachusetts man is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly attacking a 21-year-old man who was using crutches and holding him underwater during a dispute over access to a local boat ramp. Authorities say the incident was captured on video, which played a key role in the arrest.
Massachusetts Man Accused of Trying to Drown Injured Young Man
Steven Dana, 70, has been charged with attempted murder, two counts of strangulation or suffocation, and assault and battery on a disabled person following an incident that occurred in Hopkinton, Massachusetts.
Police responded to reports of a fight shortly before 7 p.m. on Wednesday. When officers arrived, they discovered that a witness had recorded the confrontation on video, providing investigators with a clear view of what allegedly happened.
The case has attracted significant attention due to the severity of the allegations and the physical condition of the alleged victim.
Dispute Began Over Use of Boat Ramp
According to investigators, the conflict started when a group of young men were using jet skis at a boat ramp reserved for residents of Hopkinton.
Police say Dana became upset about their use of the facility and confronted the group.
Witness video reportedly captured Dana telling the men, “It’s time to go” before the situation escalated into a physical confrontation.
| Incident Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Hopkinton, Massachusetts |
| Date | Wednesday evening |
| Main Dispute | Use of resident-only boat ramp |
| Suspect | Steven Dana, 70 |
| Victim | Matt Duffy, 21 |
What began as a disagreement over access to the ramp quickly turned into an alleged violent attack.
Victim Was Recovering From Motorcycle Crash
The alleged victim, identified as Matt Duffy, was already dealing with serious injuries at the time of the incident.
According to reports, Duffy was using crutches because he was recovering from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident. He reportedly had broken arms and a broken leg, leaving him with limited ability to defend himself.
Police say Dana approached Duffy near the water and the confrontation became physical.
Video Allegedly Shows Attack
Investigators say video footage recorded by Duffy’s friend, Benjamin Osmanovic, captured the critical moments of the encounter.
According to police, the video shows Dana slapping Duffy in the face before tackling him to the ground.
Authorities further allege that Dana then held Duffy underwater by force.
The footage became a key piece of evidence after officers arrived at the scene and reviewed the recording.
Victim Describes Terrifying Experience
Duffy later spoke about the incident, describing how helpless he felt during the alleged attack.
According to his account, his injuries prevented him from using his arms and leg to fight back.
He said he feared for his life while being held underwater and hoped either the suspect would release him or his friends would be able to intervene.
Fortunately, friends who were present reportedly managed to pull Dana away before the situation became even more serious.
Arrest and Criminal Charges
After reviewing the video evidence and speaking with witnesses, police arrested Dana at the scene.
He now faces several serious charges:
- Attempted murder
- Two counts of strangulation or suffocation
- Assault and battery on a disabled person
These charges carry significant legal consequences if prosecutors secure a conviction.
Court Proceedings
As of Thursday, Dana remained in custody at the Hopkinton Police Department.
Authorities said he was being held without bail pending his court appearance.
| Legal Status | Details |
|---|---|
| Custody Status | Held without bail |
| Charges | Attempted murder, strangulation, assault |
| Arraignment | Scheduled for Friday |
| Next Court Date | Not yet announced |
The legal case is still in its early stages, and prosecutors will continue reviewing evidence as court proceedings move forward.
