Man Fractured Another's Skull Over Social Distancing: Nassau PD

FREEPORT, NY — Nassau County police arrested a man who they say attacked another man in April and fractured his skull because the man asked him to maintain social distancing.

According to police, a 67-year-old man was working as an attendant at a gas station at 131 W. Merrick Road in Freeport at 10:35 p.m. on April 3 when a customer entered to pay for gas. Police say the man felt the customer was too close and asked him to step back to maintain social distancing due to the coronavirus.

Police say the customer became angry. He went back to his car, police said, took out a metal bar, and then attacked the gas station attendant. He struck the attendant in the head, police said, causing a deep cut, and also struck him in the ribs and leg.

The man was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, where it was determined he also had a fractured skull.

After an investigation, police arrested Hiram Vega, 41, of 79th Street, Queens, on Sept. 18.

Vega is charged with first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree assault. He is scheduled to be arraigned later today.