Police: Man attempted apology after home invasion, sexual assault in New London
A 32-year-old man accused of forcing his way into a woman’s home on Jefferson Avenue in New London Saturday and attempting to sexually assault the occupant tried to apologize to the alleged victim following the incident, according to a police report.
Luis Rosario, 32, of 227 Jefferson Ave. was arraigned Monday in New London Superior Court on charges of home invasion, third-degree sexual assault, criminal attempt to commit first-degree sexual assault and unlawful restraint.
New London police received a report of a sexual assault shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday, according to a police report. The 60-year-old victim, who lived in the same neighborhood, said Rosario had forced his way into her kitchen when she returned from picking up her mail, pushed her against a wall and started to rape her. He loosened his hold on her when she asked to move into another room and she fled to the nearby Birds Eye Cafe for help, according to the report.
Rosario went after the woman and attempted to apologize, but she started crying when she saw him. Rosario said he attacked the woman “because she was my neighbor,” according to the report. The woman suffered scratches and bruises to her neck but refused medical treatment.
Rosario, who is unemployed, has substances abuse issues, according to Bail Commissioner Timothy Gilman. He has prior convictions for misdemeanor crimes, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving while his license is suspended and possession of marijuana.
Judge Omar A. Williams set Rosario’s bond at $250,000, issued a protective order prohibiting him from having contact with the woman and continued the case.