COCONUT GROVE, FLA. (WSVN) - A Coconut Grove man continues on his road to recovery after a vicious assault last month. The attack left him badly injured, but he is now feeling better after finding out that police have arrested the man responsible for the attack.
Miami Police apprehended Marco Roura, known as “Gordo,” on the streets, in connection with the incident. The 45-year-old faces charges of strong-arm robbery and felony battery.
Speaking with 7News on Wednesday, Breidenbach said he’s glad someone is being held accountable for the attack.
“I had three detectives stop by to let me know that they had captured [the suspect] and had a full confession,.” he said. “The breath went out of me, almost like a sense of relief.”
The incident unfolded as Greg Breidenbach left a local hookah bar and was walking home one the corner of Florida Avenue and Douglas Road on that early July morning.
Surveillance video captured the assailant kicking and punching Breidenbach. When the victim fell on the ground, Roura was seen getting on top of him to continue the attack.
“It was overkill violence. My whole face – my left face was completely destroyed,” said Breidenbach.
Breidenbach suffered extensive surgeries and had to undergo reconstructive surgery on the left side of his face. He said he didn’t know the suspect..
While Breidenbach acknowledges gaps in his memory regarding the morning of the attack, officers discovered the surveillance footage, recorded from a nearby intersection, and that proved crucial to solving the case.
“I have always said that I didn’t remember any of it, and I completely still say I don’t remember any of it,” said Breidenbach.
The victim initially believed that the attack was motivated by his sexual orientation, as he is gay. However, after an extensive investigation, law enforcement officials ruled out the possibility of a hate crime.
“When they told me that it seemed not to be a hate crime, that made me feel a whole lot better,” said Breidenbach. “It made me feel good that they have him, and they captured him.”
According to the arrest report, a witness who knew Roura also observed the attack and witnessed her friend kicking and punching Breidenbach. After the assault, the witness left the scene and later encountered Roura, who allegedly admitted to selling the victim’s watch for $30.
Additionally, Roura is accused of stealing Breidenbach’s crucifix.
Despite the trauma he experienced, Breidenbach expressed his desire to move forward and put the incident behind him. The recovery process is ongoing, but he is determined to regain his physical and emotional well-being.
“I just want to go on with my life, finish this chapter, start a new chapter,” said Breidenbach.
Because of this incident, the community got together an organized a safety forum that has been scheduled for next week at the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove.
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