Cops: man attacks, robs fishermen

WESTPORT, Mass. - A 22-year-old Brockton man was arrested Wednesday in connection with the armed robbery and assault of two fishermen at Gooseberry Island in Westport.

Westport police say a 39-year-old fisherman from Dartmouth was hit with rocks and a second fisherman, a 74-year-old Fall River man, was assaulted and robbed in the early morning incident on June 27.

Licino Fernandes Lopes was charged with armed robbery, assault and battery on an elderly person, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, larceny over $250, and intimidation of a witness.

Six more Brockton juveniles are also expected to face charges.

Police say the victims were next to the shoreline fishing when a group of men approached them.

Some of the suspects began throwing rocks at one of the fishermen who told them to stop, according to police. The fisherman was struck in the leg with a rock and yelled out to a second fisherman to call 911.

About five of the seven suspects, armed with rocks, attacked the 74-year-old man. He was robbed of his wallet, which contained about $500. One of the men allegedly threw the empty wallet back at the victim after removed the money.

The suspects fled the scene and took off in two vehicles, a red minivan and a white Toyota Camry.

Anyone with information should contact Westport police at (508) 636-1122.