Arrest Made In Grabbing Of Middle School Student: Greenwich Police

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Police Department on Tuesday announced an arrest in connection with a September grabbing incident that involved a student from Eastern Middle School.

Hector J. Romero Vargas, 31, of Port Chester, N.Y., surrendered to police on Monday after learning of a warrant for his arrest, the GPD said in a news release.

Vargas was charged with second-degree unlawful restraint, fourth-degree sexual assault, first-degree stalking, second-degree child endangerment, risk of injury to a child, and second-degree breach of peace.

On Sept. 11 at approximately 8:05 a.m., police said a middle school student was grabbed from behind by an unknown adult man while walking to school.

Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones said in an email to families following the incident that the student, who was walking to Eastern Middle School, was "approached by a stranger from behind" in the area of Lockwood Road and "held for a few seconds, and then quickly released."

Police said the incident occurred on the paved pathway of the EMS tennis courts that leads to the softball field, with the nearest intersection of Lockwood Road at Breezemont Avenue.

No injuries were reported. The student relayed information to school officials, who then contacted police

On Sept. 12, police released a grainy photo appearing to show a person standing next to a vehicle, and asked for the public's help to identify them.

Police on Tuesday thanked the public for its support in gathering information in the case.

"The Greenwich Police Department is extremely grateful for the tremendous assistance provided by members of our community. Detectives worked diligently over the past several weeks, tracking down numerous leads and investigating tips from concerned residents," police said.

"The successful resolution of this case was made possible through the invaluable information shared by the local community, which proved instrumental in identifying the alleged perpetrator. The department commends the vigilance and cooperation of Greenwich residents throughout this investigation."

Vargas was unable to post a court-set bond of $250,000, and he was taken to Stamford Superior Court for arraignment.

Jones sent an email to Eastern Middle, Old Greenwich, and Riverside Schools Tuesday morning following news breaking of the arrest.

"It comes with great relief and extreme appreciation for the Greenwich Police Department that a suspect has been arrested in connection to the incident where one of our Eastern Middle School students was grabbed from behind while walking to school in September," Jones wrote. "We cannot thank everyone enough at the Greenwich PD for what they do for our community to keep us safe."