NORWICH – A 43-year-old Norwich man said that following an incident in the City of Norwich Saturday night, he does not feel as safe walking down the streets as he has in the past. 

According to crime victim Dave Jennings, he was walking Saturday morning after getting dinner to take home when he began being followed by a man and soon after said he was assaulted. 

“I walked up Lackawanna Avenue toward my house, and I was carrying a pizza and it was icy and I slipped,” said Jennings. “I was embarrassed, but whatever. I got up and continued on my way. There was a man near the corner who then started following me, making racial comments.” 

Jennings said he did not turn around to acknowledge the man as he assumed he would get tired “of the pursuit” and turn back. 

According to the victim’s brother Dan Jennings, the two have lived in Norwich most of their lives. “We listen to country music and The Grateful Dead,” said Dan. “Our mother is caucasian. My brother is one of the kindest guys anyone could meet.”

Dave said that while he didn’t turn around to face the man later arrested for his assault, he did tell him to “mind his own business,” and “grow up.”

According to the victim, the incident took place near Fair Street in the city. 

“He (the accused) yelled racial comments before, during and after he hit me,” Dave said. 

The victim recalled being hit six or seven times in the head, from behind. “He (the accused) was in my face screaming [racial epithets] and continued to yell ‘remember it’s me doing this to you.’”

Dave said that he recalled the accused using his right hand to hit him from behind. He said in addition to broken glasses, he sustained a laceration to his forehead, two black eyes, and various bruises and bumps on his head. He added that due to headaches and dizziness, he thinks a concussion might have also resulted. 

“I didn’t hit back once,” said the victim. “I put my arms out to protect myself but that was all. And then I went to the ground.”

Dave added that he has no interactions with the accused in the past, and the only reason he remembered his name is because he said the accused continued to yell it. 

Dan said that his brother has been a very active member of the community for a number of years, and Dave confirmed his brother’s statements.