A man has been arrested for allegedly attacking a woman that was out going for a jog in Windsor Locks Thursday morning.
Police said they were called to the area of Old County Road, a generally busy spot surrounded by hotels, at about 10 a.m.
Officers said 40-year-old Alexander Russell ran up behind a 70-year-old woman that was exercising. Russell is accused of viciously striking her in the back of the head with a closed fist, causing her to fall to the ground.
The woman was seriously injured as she fell to the ground, police said. At least one of her fingers is broken and she has a serious laceration to the back of her head.
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“Complete surprise of the worst kind. You’re just out there doing your thing on one of the nicer days we’ve had lately. She’s trying to get some exercise in town, the town in which she lives in and this guy comes out of nowhere. She doesn’t see it coming," Windsor Locks Police Lt. Paul Cherniack said.
Responding officers were able to find Russell and he was taken into custody. Police said he has a criminal history from other parts of the state, including with some violence.
Connecticut State Police found Russell on their on their property near Bradley Airport on Schoephoester Road.
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He faces charges including first-degree assault and first-degree reckless endangerment. Russell is being held on a $150,000 bond and is expected to appear in court on Friday.
Police said Russell and the woman don't appear to know each other. She remains hospitalized with a serious head injury.
Officials are still trying to figure out why the attack happened, especially since nothing was stolen.
“That is also part of looking for motive, he did not take anything from her at all. Once she went down he moved on," Cherniack said.
Despite the scary situation, those who live and walk in the area say they generally feel safe.
“I would think so. I do. I haven’t had anyone say to me they feel unsafe that I’ve run across," said Jim Cannon of Windsor Locks.
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