HOPKINTON, MASSACHUSETTS – A 70-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly trying to drown a 21-year-old man on crutches at a residents-only lake in Hopkinton. The confrontation reportedly began over a dispute about who was allowed to access the lake. Video from the lake shows two young men standing on the shoreline, with a pair of crutches lying on the ground nearby. The suspect’s name was not included in the post.
Dispute Over Lake Access Turns Violent in Hopkinton
The incident happened at a lake in Hopkinton that is reserved for local residents. According to the post, the two clashed over whether the younger man had the right to be there. Hopkinton has several lakes and ponds popular with residents during warm weather.
The argument allegedly escalated, and the 70-year-old is accused of trying to drown the younger man in the lake. The 21-year-old was using crutches at the time, which may have made it harder for him to defend himself. The 21-year-old survived the alleged attack.
Video Shows Young Men on Shoreline With Crutches Nearby
Footage shared online, credited to Benjamin Osmanovic, shows two young men standing at the water’s edge. One appears soaked, while crutches can be seen lying on the sandy shore. The scene appears calm in the footage, which was taken on a sunny day.
The video runs just under two minutes. It is not clear from the clip exactly who was involved in the struggle or what happened before the recording began. Police have not publicly released additional details about the case.
70-Year-Old Faces Attempted Murder Charge
The 70-year-old was charged with attempted murder in connection with the incident. Additional charges, if any, were not detailed in the post. In Massachusetts, attempted murder is a felony that can carry up to 20 years in state prison.
His name, the date of the incident, and the name of the lake were not shared. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. It is unclear whether he has entered a plea.
Residents-Only Lake Rules Spark Debate After Alleged Attack
The case has drawn attention to tensions that can arise at residents-only beaches and lakes. Many towns restrict access to certain waterfronts, which can lead to disputes between locals and visitors. Such rules are often enforced through parking permits or beach stickers.
Officials generally advise residents to report suspected rule violations to local authorities rather than confront people directly. Hopkinton, a town west of Boston, is best known as the starting line of the Boston Marathon. The condition of the 21-year-old was not reported.
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