Woman Breaks-In, Assaults Elderly Man: Somerville Police

SOMERVILLE, MA – A Lynn woman assaulted and tried to extort an 86-year-old man after breaking into his home June 17 after months of harassment, police said

Angela Grassa, of 8 1/2 Woodman St., Lynn, was charged with assault and battery on a person over 60, attempt to commit a crime and breaking and entering in the daytime for a felony.

Police said Grassa has a criminal history of exploiting elderly people for financial gain. Since September she had been visiting a Pearl Street building where none of the tenants knew her and asked people there for money, police said.

On June 17 she began to harass the victim, an 86-year-old man who is very unsteady on his feet and walks with the assistance of a walker, police said. Grassa allegedly pushed the man and entered his apartment. Whe the victim told her to leave she allegedly said, “I’m not leaving until you give me $200.”

“It is obvious that this female has selected [the victim] due to his age, and continues to extort or attempt to extort based on his vulnerability,” a Somerville police report stated.

The victim was able to write down the license of plate of Grasso, police said. She was arrested at her home.