A man was arrested in connection with the assault of the mayor’s wife as she was leaving the Democratic headquarters in Middletown over the weekend, police said.
Officers responded to the area of Melilli Plaza on Saturday at 2:21 p.m. on the report of an assault and spoke to a woman who was able to give police a description of the suspect and where he was headed, according to Erik Costa, chief of the Middletown Police Department.
Mike Fallon, chairman of the Middletown Democratic Town Committee, identified the victim as Karen Nocera, wife of Mayor Gene Nocera.
Costa said a man who was spotted in the area of 500 Main St. was apprehended and identified as 56-year-old Joseph Lopez of Middletown.
Following the on-scene investigation, police believe Karen Nocera was leaving the Democratic headquarters on Court Street and walking about 15-20 feet behind Lopez. After she closed the distance between the two, police allege Lopez abruptly turned around and told her she was walking too fast, Costa said. Karen Nocera reportedly told police Lopez then struck her face twice before walking away, according to Costa.
Costa said she suffered minor injuries and did not need medical attention.
Lopez and Karen Nocera were not known to each other, according to Costa, who added that investigators did not find any evidence suggesting the attack was motivated by political reasons.
“We are deeply shocked by such a terrible and random attack on Karen Nocera, one of Middletown’s most kind and giving residents,” Fallon said in a statement. “We are grateful to Middletown Police Department for their swift response. I know Karen is already thinking about how to help others in our city and she wouldn’t have it any other way.”
According to the city’s website, Karen Nocera also serves as the recreation manager for Middletown.
Lopez was charged with second-degree breach of peace and held on a $25,000 bond pending an arraignment in Middletown Superior Court on Monday. According to court records, he was released on a promise to appear and is expected to face a judge again on Thursday.
Lopez has not entered a plea, court records show.
Gene Nocera did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.