‘It’s time to go’: 70-year-old man tried to drown 21-year-old on crutches after heated argument over residency, police say

A dispute over access to a Massachusetts lake escalated into a shocking act of alleged violence when a 70-year-old man was arrested and charged with attempted murder after authorities say he held a 21-year-old man underwater during a confrontation at a public beach area.

The incident occurred at Lake Maspenock in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and has drawn widespread attention after video footage reportedly captured much of the altercation. The younger man, who was recovering from serious injuries and using crutches at the time, told reporters he feared for his life as he struggled to breathe while trapped underwater.

Fight Erupts Over Use of Boat Ramp

According to the Hopkinton Police Department, officers were called to Sandy Beach on Lakeshore Drive shortly before 7 p.m. on June 3 following reports of a fight in progress. Investigators later determined that the confrontation stemmed from a disagreement over access to Lake Maspenock.

The lake straddles the communities of Hopkinton and Milford. Authorities said the only boat ramp on the lake is located on Lakeshore Drive and is restricted to Hopkinton residents between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.

Police say 70-year-old Steven Dana, a Hopkinton resident who lives near the lake, confronted a group of young men who were using a jet ski. Dana allegedly questioned whether they were authorized to use the boat ramp and challenged their presence at the lake.

Victim Was Recovering From Serious Injuries

The victim was identified by local media as 21-year-old Matt Duffy. At the time of the incident, Duffy was using crutches while recovering from a severe motorcycle accident that had left him with multiple broken bones.

Police noted that Duffy had sustained serious injuries months earlier and was still physically limited. Because of those injuries, prosecutors later charged Dana with assault and battery on a disabled person in addition to the more serious attempted murder allegations.

Duffy later explained that he was unable to effectively defend himself because both of his arms and one of his legs had been injured in the earlier crash.

Video Captures Escalating Confrontation

The confrontation was reportedly recorded by one of Duffy’s friends using a camera. According to investigators and media reports, the footage captured Dana approaching the group and demanding that they leave. At one point, Dana could allegedly be heard telling them, “It’s time to go.”

The argument continued as Dana and the young men exchanged words over whether they had the right to use the lake and boat ramp. Witnesses said Dana appeared increasingly agitated during the encounter.

Heated Exchange Before Physical Attack

According to reports, Duffy insisted that he lived nearby and believed he had a right to use the lake. The disagreement intensified, with Dana allegedly threatening to contact police and continuing to argue with the group.

Video reviewed by investigators allegedly shows Dana walking toward Duffy and getting into his face. Witnesses can be heard referencing Duffy’s physical condition and asking whether Dana intended to confront someone who was already injured.

Police Say Dana Slapped Victim Before Holding Him Underwater

Investigators allege that Dana slapped Duffy across the face before the confrontation became physical. The two men then ended up in the water near the shoreline.

According to police, video footage shows Dana forcefully holding the younger man’s head underwater. Authorities say the actions went far beyond a simple fight and constituted an attempt to seriously injure or kill the victim.

Friends Rush In To Save Victim

As the struggle continued, several bystanders and friends reportedly intervened. Witnesses pulled Dana away from Duffy, ending the underwater struggle before it became fatal.

Without their intervention, investigators believe the situation could have ended much more tragically. Hopkinton Deputy Police Chief Scott van Raalten later described the episode as “senseless violence” that could have had devastating consequences.

Victim Says He Thought He Might Die

After the incident, Duffy described the terrifying moments he spent underwater.

According to interviews with local media, he said Dana tackled him into the water, fought with him, and then shoved his head beneath the surface while refusing to let him breathe. Duffy stated that because of his injuries he could not effectively use his arms or leg to escape.

“I Was So Scared For My Life”

Duffy told reporters that he feared he was going to die because he was unable to fight back. He said he was essentially helpless as the older man remained on top of him in the water.

He later expressed gratitude that his friends intervened quickly and that police arrived soon afterward.

Police Investigation Leads To Arrest

When officers arrived at Sandy Beach, they separated the individuals involved and began investigating the incident. Witnesses provided statements, and police reviewed the video footage recorded during the altercation.

After examining the evidence, officers arrested Dana and charged him with several serious crimes.

Charges Filed Against Steven Dana

Authorities charged Dana with:

• Attempted murder
• Two counts of strangulation or suffocation
• Assault and battery on a disabled person

The charges reflect prosecutors’ belief that the alleged actions were severe enough to constitute an attempt on the victim’s life.

Suspect’s Version Of Events

According to responding officers, Dana claimed that he had punched one member of the group and was then thrown into the water and beaten. His account differed significantly from witness statements and the video evidence reviewed by investigators.

Despite the allegations and video evidence, Dana pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Court Proceedings And Bail Decision

Dana was arraigned in Massachusetts court following his arrest. Initial reports indicated he was being held without bail after the incident.

However, subsequent court proceedings resulted in his release on a $7,500 cash bond. The decision sparked frustration from Duffy, who expressed disbelief that the man accused of trying to kill him had been released so soon after the incident.

If convicted on the most serious charges, Dana could face a lengthy prison sentence. Reports indicate the attempted murder charge alone could carry more than two decades behind bars.

Police Condemn Vigilante Enforcement

Following the incident, Hopkinton police emphasized that residents should never attempt to enforce local rules or bylaws through confrontation or violence.

Deputy Chief Scott van Raalten said that concerns about potential violations should be reported to authorities instead of being handled personally. He characterized the attack as a dangerous example of what can happen when individuals take matters into their own hands.

Community Reacts To Shocking Incident

The case quickly gained attention across Massachusetts and beyond, particularly because of the victim’s physical condition and the apparent severity of the attack. Video footage of the confrontation circulated online, prompting widespread discussion and condemnation.

Many observers expressed shock that a disagreement over lake access could escalate into allegations of attempted murder. The incident remains under investigation as prosecutors continue to pursue the charges against Dana.