SHARE

Man Thrown From Bridge On Thanksgiving Leads To Three Arrests In Shelton

SHELTON, Conn. — Shelton police on Tuesday arrested three people in connection with a fight that led to a man being thrown from the Shelton/Derby Bridge early Thanksgiving morning.

Gregory Rottjer

Gregory Rottjer

Photo Credit: Shelton Police Department
Jennifer Hannum

Jennifer Hannum

Photo Credit: Shelton Police Department
Matthew Dorso

Matthew Dorso

Photo Credit: Shelton Police Department

An extensive investigation revealed Gregory Rottjer, 25, of Derby, was having a verbal argument with his girlfriend, Jennifer Hannum, 22, of Derby, on the bridge when the victim and his brother tried to see if Hannum was OK, police said.

The victim and his brother attempted to walk away and Rottjer and his friend, Matthew Dorso, 27, of Ansonia, started a physical fight with them and Rottier intentionally threw the victim from the bridge, police said.

Related story: Shelton Officer Rescues Monroe Man Thrown Off Bridge

The victim fell about 45 feet into the icy water. Rottjer, Dorso and Hannum fled the scene, police said.

Rottjer was charged with criminal attempt at murder, first-degree assault and first-degree reckless endangerment. He was held on $250,000 bond and was scheduled for arraignment Dec. 12.

Dorso was charged with third-degree assault. He was released on a promise to appear in court on Dec. 22.

Hannum was charged with interfering with an officer and was released on $1,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 22.

The victim  — a 30-year-old man from Monroe — is still recovering from his serious injuries.

“Credit is due to the police, fire and EMS personnel who acted swiftly and courageously to assist the victim,” said Detective Richard Bango.

That night, Shelton police and fire responded to the bridge and saw the 30-year-old man submerged in the water, police said.

"Officer David Eldridge swam out to victim and quickly pulled him to shore with the assistance of fire personnel," police spokesman Detective Christopher Nugent said. "Once brought to shore, the male victim was transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital with serious injuries."

The bridge connects downtown Derby and Shelton via Bridge Street.

to follow Daily Voice Newtown and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE