Man Who Intervenes in Domestic Argument Gets Thrown Off a Bridge

By Tom Ozimek
December 13, 2017 Last Updated: December 13, 2017
Three people face charges after allegedly throwing a man off the Shelton/Derby Bridge on Thanksgiving morning. One of the three faced a judge in court in Derby, Co., on Dec. 12, 2017. (Shelton Police)

A man who thought he was doing the right thing by trying to break up a fight between another man and his girlfriend, ended up getting thrown off a bridge, plunging 45 feet.

The incident took place on Thanksgiving morning, on a bridge over the Housatonic River between Derby and Shelton, Connecticut, reported WFSB.

Gregory Rottjer, 25, Matthew Dorso, 27, and Jennifer Hannum, 22, face a range of charges in connection with an act that nearly cost the Monroe man his life.

According to investigators, Rottjer had been arguing with his girlfriend, Hannum, while on the bridge, WFSB reports. The 30-year-old victim, who was not named, and his brother were in the vicinity and asked whether the woman was alright.

The victim reportedly told Rottjer to “chill out” and then tried to disengage and leave the scene.

According to court documents, “He got involved telling him to leave her alone…stated the man became aggressive toward him and they began to fight.”

Greg Rottjer, Aug. 14, 2017. (Facebook / Greg Rottjer)

During the altercation, in which Dorso also became involved, Rottjer threw the man off the bridge and into the icy water below.

Rottjer, Dorso and Hannum then fled the scene, while emergency crews arrived to rescue the victim, who was found “on his back, in the icy water.”

Jennifer Hannum. (Facebook / Jennifer Hannum)

According to reports, the victim sustained “serious injuries,” from which he has not yet fully recovered.

Matthew Dorso. (Facebook / Matthew Dorso)

Parts of the incident were captured on cell phone video. Police said that before being shoved off the bridge, the victim can be seen in the video retreating with his hands in the air, with Rottjer in aggressive pursuit. Nearby surveillance video was also entered as evidence in the case, which was presented to Rottjer, who then reportedly admitted to the act.

“I did it. I threw him over the bridge,” Rottjer allegedly told police, according to WFSB.

In the course of the investigation, Hannum allegedly lied to the police, claiming to have no knowledge about the incident. Police told WFSB reporters the trio met the following day and conspired to conceal the facts.

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, Rottjer was charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault, and first-degree reckless endangerment, the station reports. The Derby Superior Court judge ordered Rottjer held on a $250,000 bond.

Dorso was charged with third-degree assault and released without bond. Hannum was charged with interfering with an officer and released on $1,000 bond.

A Dec. 22 court date has been set for Dorso and Hannum.

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