Former Patriots player accused of assaulting 82-year-old man
by NBC 10 NEWS
(WJAR) — North Providence police said former Patriots fullback Patrick Pass was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting an 82-year-old man at a gym.
According to police, the assault happened on Aug. 28 at the Planet Fitness facility in North Providence.
Pass and the alleged victim, 82-year-old Juan Muriel, were in a verbal confrontation about an exercise equipment, police said.
Officials said Pass then shoved Muriel, who fell on the floor and sustained injuries to his lower back.
Pass is facing a charge of assaulting a man over 60 years of age causing bodily injury and disorderly conduct.
According to court documents, Pass was given $10,000 personal recognizance at his arraignment.
Police said he was scheduled for a court appearance in December.
NBC 10 News spoke with Patrick Pass at his North Providence home.
“Look at me do you think I’m going to do that really please come on,” said Patrick Pass. “I have better things to do than try to assault someone.
Muriel sat down with NBC 10 to tell his side of the story.
“I felt like somebody pushed me for nothing,” said Muriel. “I never touched him nothing.”
Muriel said he was cleaning a piece of workout equipment when he said he was shoved by Pass.
“The next day I can’t walk I can’t lay down I can’t do nothing,” said Muriel. “I’m better, almost 90% , better, I’m better.”
Juan Muriel, the alleged victim, spoke with NBC 10. (WJAR)
“I’m so shocked right now he’s always been a good guy,” said Sydney Demedeiros, a neighbor of Patrick Pass. “It’s the big superstar in the neighborhood, so I’m shocked actually, never showed any signs of anger that I know of.”
A spokesperson from Planet Fitness sent the following statement:
“At Planet Fitness, the safety and security of our members is our top priority, and we take these types of incidents extremely seriously. The membership of the person in question was cancelled and the local franchise group has been working closely with the authorities in their ongoing investigation. For additional information, we ask that you please reach out to the local authorities.”
North Providence police announced a press conference will be held on Thursday.
NBC 10’s John Perik contributed to this report.