Brother Of Yonkers Mayoral Aide Lorraine Lopez Beaten Outside Sal's Bar
YONKERS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The brother of the Yonkers mayoral aide was severely beaten outside a bar and is listed in critical condition at Westchester Medical Center.
Robert Lopez, 50, was attacked by two men early Tuesday morning outside Sal's bar and restaurant on Neppherhan Avenue in Yonkers, police said.
Lopez, the brother of mayoral aide Lorraine Lopez, suffered a broken nose, swelling to his face and head and bleeding on the brain.
"His condition was last described to us as critical and hour to hour," Det. Sgt. Patrick McCormack told 1010 WINS.
Police say the suspects entered Sal's just before 5 a.m. and were soon thrown out because they were disturbing other patrons.
Police say moments later, Lopez left the bar and was jumped and viciously beaten by the unruly patron and another man. It is believed Lopez was an innocent bystander.
McCormack said 31-year-old Benis Melendez has been arrested in connection with the attack.
Police said they are still looking for another suspect who is described as a white man with red hair and blue eyes. He is 5-feet-seven-inches tall, 160 pounds and has a Shamrock tattoo on his right forearm.
"This was a brutal assault that occurred and it's definitely not something that will be tolerated here in Yonkers," McCormack said. "I'm sure our detectives are going to be closing this out with another arrest."
Charges could be upgraded depending on the condition of the victim.
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