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Stamford Man, 58, Charged With Attempting To Sexually Assault 6-Year-Old

STAMFORD, Conn. — A 54-year-old Stamford man has been charged with attempting to sexually assault a 6-year-old girl at a family party last month, police said.

Pedro Catalan-Veliz

Pedro Catalan-Veliz

Photo Credit: Stamford Police Department

Stamford police were called at 8:35 p.m. Saturday to private home on the East Side on report of a child being assaulted by a man. 

Officers arrived and learned that during a family gathering, Pedro Catalan-Veliz, of 86 Warren St., "accosted a 6-year-old female and held her against a vehicle in the driveway outside of the view of the other attendees at the party," police said. 

A family friend walking her dog saw Catalan-Veliz holding the victim with his pants down against the car, police said. 

A family member quickly intervened and others detained the suspect until officers arrived, police said. 

Catalan-Veliz was taken into custody and charged with risk of injury to a minor, unlawful restraint and criminal attempt at aggravated sexual assault of a minor. 

He was held on $200,000 bond and for a Sept. 8 court appearance.

Police said the child was not physically injured. 

"The Police Department is grateful for the timely intervention of the witness to this heinous crime before the suspect was able to injury the child any further," said police Lt. Michael A. Noto. 

"We strongly encourage and urge the community to report any signs of abuse against our youngest and most cherished citizens," Noto said.

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