Woman Bites Tongue of Sexual Attacker in Stamford

arrested 46-year-old Gerard Michael Landon of 40 Clinton Avenue Friday evening for sexually assaulting a woman who, in defense, bit off a piece of his tongue, according to Capt. Richard Conklin.

The victim told police Thursday night that as she was walking in an alley near on Atlantic Street she was approached by Landon, who asked her for a hug, according to Conklin. When the victim refused, she told police that Landon grabbed her. The two then struggled and eventually fell into a small grassy area. Landon then stuck his tongue into the victim's mouth.

Conklin said that the victim then bit down on his tongue and tore off a substantial piece of it. Msgr. Stephen M. Di Giovanni, who was still inside of the church, heard the victim screaming, called 911 and ran out to help, but before police arrived, Landon ran away. Officers were able to recover the piece of the tongue that was bitten off and alerted area hospitals.

On Friday morning, according to Conklin, police received a call from a medical facility on 1425 Beford Street, who told them that a man came in seeking treatment for a tongue injury. When police arrived, Landon attempted to flee, but officers soon caught up to him as he ran north on Bedford Street toward the Ridgeway area.

Landon, who is a native of the Virgin Islands was taken to where he was treated for the tongue injury as well as injuries sustained during the pursuit. He was also placed under psychological evaluation.

Landon was then released to police and charged with criminal attempt at first-degree sexual assault, first-degree unlawful restraint and second-degree strangulation, according to the Stamford Advocate. He is being held on $500,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

Conklin said additional charges could be brought against Landon after the department received complaints on Friday that he allegedly grabbed a woman's breasts and prodded another with an umbrella.