Fordham Student Successfully Wards Off Would-Be Assailant

A Fordham student did what few can ever claim to have done by avoiding a "Security File," fighting back at a would-be mugger on Aug. 31 and decisively winning against his opponent.

Anthony Tochet, CBA '13, was alone in the Belmont neighborhood at around 11:45 p.m. walking toward campus when his attacker struck from behind.

"I felt him hit me with his elbow on my shoulder," Tochet said, gesturing to his bandaged right shoulder. "I took karate, so I knew that he would try to get me with a weapon."

Tochet responded by striking his attacker, inflicting wounds on the man while also sustaining some injuries to his own hands and upper body in the process.

Noticing that his would-be mugger was lying on the ground, Tochet called 9-1-1 and waited with him until an ambulance arrived and brought the two to a hospital for surveillance and treatment, the name of which Tochet was unable to identify.

At the hospital, Tochet was told that he had broken several of his assailant's bones, including multiple ribs, and that the assailant was still unconscious, but that upon waking, the attacker would be charged for the attempted mugging. Law enforcement officials assured Tochet that because he acted in self-defense, and because he called and waited for an ambulance for the man, he would not be charged with anything.

Medical professionals at the hospital wanted to keep Tochet over night for observation, but he was resistant.

"I said to them, ‘I have to get back on campus tonight, or my mom's going to get mad at me.'"

After demonstrating his physical well-being by performing push-ups in the hospital, Tochet was transported back to Fordham's Rose Hill campus.

Tochet credits his success over his attacker to his quick thinking and martial arts training. Additionally, he said that he has not been in contact in any way with Fordham University Security Services since the incident.

A representative from Fordham Safety and Security stopped short of fully condemning Tochet's actions, but said that students should be realistic with their abilities when dealing with potential attackers.

"You are worth more than your money," he said, adding recommendations that students always be vigilant and to avoid traveling alone at night if and when it is at all possible.