EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. - Walter Labroad is a longtime resident of East Longmeadow. He said he has always felt safe in the community. On Sunday afternoon, he became the victim of an assault and said he is happy to be sitting here today.
"When somebody has you around the neck from behind and you can't see them, you expect the worst," Labroad explained.
Labroad has lived on Hillside Drive for the past 66 years. He recently turned 91 years old.
"My wife passed away 5 years ago, I have been taking care of the house, doing the cooking, going to church, praying and see what happened," he explained.
Labroad vividly remembers what happened Sunday afternoon when he got home from church. He said there was a man across the street, checking out the house. The house was listed for sale, so Labroad said this wasn't unusual.
"I normally don't let people in but I saw him look at the house and he looked legitimate," he said.
Labroad said the man was asking him about the house. Labroad mentioned the house had a pending buyer but told the man he should call the realtor anyway. He said the man got a little chocked up and asked him for a glass of water. He turned around to get it for him and said the man followed him in the house.
"And he grabbed me around the neck and he said I'm not going to hurt you just don't move," said Labroad. "But I didn't move, I couldn't because he had be chocked."
Labroad described the incident, saying the man held one arm around his neck and used the other to take his wallet from his pocket. He grabbed all the money inside the wallet and asked for more.
"I said 'That's all the money I have' and he turned me around and headed me down the hall," Labroad said.
Labroad said what happened next was a miracle. His son and son-in-law showed up to pick up his car. He said he was expecting them, but are glad they showed up when they did. When they came inside the house, Labroad said the man let him go and left his house and drove off. His son was able to take down the plate number to the car.
They immediately contacted the East Longmeadow Police Department and wrote statements.
Spectrum News 1 spoke with Sgt. Steven Manning, who said they do not have a suspect in custody. Sgt. Manning said they are looking for Victor Viera-Tirado. He is described by police as a 47 year old, hispanic male, with a thin build, weighing about 180 pounds and is about 5'9 to 6' tall.
Manning said Viera-Tirado has been convicted of similar charges in the past. Back in 2013, Viera-Tirado served time for robbing elderly people inside their homes after following them from grocery stores.
East Longmeadow Police have a warrant out for his arrest and say he will be charged with the following:
- Breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony
- Kidnapping
- Strangulation or Suffication
- Assault and Battery of person over 60
- Unarmed robbery
Neighbors said what happened is alarming and want this man off the streets. Vinnie Magnani said he has grown up here and has went to school here, he said what happened could have happened to anyone.
"It's scary," said Magnani. "We have kids from 9 months to 9 years old living here and if that were to happen to us, that really makes you think."
Magnani said it's especially disheartening to hear that Labroad was just trying to be helpful and was taking advantage of.
"Hopefully they are gonna catch him and put him away for a while," said Labroad.
Labroad applauded the police department for their efforts and said he is confident they will catch him soon. He said the most important thing through this experience is that he is unharmed.
"The main thing is I'm here," said Labroad. "I made it through alright."
Currently police do not have a suspect in custody. They are still looking for Victor Viera-Tirado. Police ask if you know him or know where he is to call 413-525-5440.