BOSTON, MA – A Dorchester man faces serious legal consequences after allegedly assaulting a woman who did not respond with a “good morning” greeting. The unsettling incident, which occurred earlier this month, has been partially captured on a cellphone and nearby surveillance cameras.

On July 13, authorities were called to a Balsam Street residence in Dorchester following reports of an ongoing assault.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a 59-year-old woman suffering from severe injuries, including a broken nose and eye hemorrhaging. According to the victim, a man confronted her as she gardened in her front yard and launched an unprovoked attack when she failed to greet him.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Tomasini outlined the brutal nature of the assault in court, describing how the victim managed to record parts of the incident on her phone. Additionally, surveillance footage from a neighboring house allegedly shows the suspect nearly striking the woman with his vehicle before fleeing the scene.

Police apprehended 33-year-old Ian Atkinson days after the assault, assisted by the victim’s quick thinking in noting his vehicle’s license plate number as he departed. Remarkably, Atkinson was already under monitoring for unrelated charges, wearing a GPS device that made locating him straightforward for law enforcement.

In the courtroom, defense attorney John Hightower contended that his client was not the aggressor. He claimed Atkinson acted in self-defense, suggesting the woman attacked him first by biting and spraying him with a garden hose. This narrative was challenged by the prosecution, with Tomasini pointing out the absence of water or any signs of a struggle indicative of the defendant’s story.

Despite these defenses, the court deemed Atkinson a danger to the community, ordering him to remain incarcerated for 120 days while the case awaits further hearings. The next court date is set for September.

The incident has captured public attention due to its violent nature and the dubious rationale behind the alleged assault. As legal proceedings continue, the case raises concerns about public safety and the alarming circumstances that can lead to violence.