Hopkinton man, 70, charged with attempted murder after alleged ramp attack
HOPKINTON, MA – A dispute over access to a town boat ramp escalated into a violent confrontation Wednesday evening, leaving a 21-year-old man on crutches allegedly fighting for his life in the water and a 70-year-old man facing attempted murder charges.
Police say Steven Dana was arrested after officers responded to reports of a fight near the ramp just before 7 p.m., where cellphone video captured the incident that authorities say quickly turned dangerous. Dana is charged with attempted murder, two counts of strangulation or suffocation, and assault and battery on a disabled person.
According to the Hopkinton Police Department, the altercation began when Dana confronted a group of young men using jet skis at a ramp restricted to town residents.
Video captures confrontation and alleged assault
Footage recorded by Benjamin Osmanovic shows Dana approaching the group and telling them, “It’s time to go.” Moments later, investigators say the situation escalated when Dana moved down a hill toward 21-year-old Matt Duffy, who was using crutches after a recent motorcycle crash.
Police allege Dana slapped Duffy before tackling him to the ground and “forcefully holding” him underwater. The victim, who had limited mobility due to multiple injuries, described the encounter in stark terms.
“I couldn’t use either of my arms or my leg as they were both broken, and I was just praying that he let go or my friends pull him off of me,” Duffy told WBZ.
Friends intervene as arrest follows
Duffy’s friends were able to pull Dana away, according to authorities, preventing further harm. Officers arriving on scene reviewed the cellphone video before placing Dana under arrest.
As of Thursday, Dana remained in custody at the Hopkinton Police Department and was being held without bail. He was scheduled to be arraigned Friday, though information on his next court date was not immediately available.
The case centers on access restrictions at the boat ramp, but investigators have emphasized the severity of the alleged actions captured on video, which now serve as key evidence in the charges.
Steven Dana arrest, Hopkinton boat ramp incident, attempted murder Massachusetts, Matt Duffy attack, jet ski ramp dispute
