Man thrown 45 feet off bridge for interrupting couple's argument

Three people are in custody for tossing a good Samaritan from a Connecticut bridge Thanksgiving morning.

CBS News reports the victim intervened in an argument between a couple before being thrown 45 feet off a bridge. He was seriously injured, but survived the incident.

Shelton police charged Gregory Rottjer with attempted murder in connection with the encounter. His girlfriend, Jennifer Hannum, has been charged with lying to police.

Authorities also charged a third person, Matthew Dorso, with assault.

According to police, Rottjer and Hannum were fighting while walking across the bridge on the morning of Nov. 23. Hearing this, the victim and his brother approached the young woman to ensure she wasn't in danger.

Their inquiry angered Rottjer and Dorso, CBS reported. A fight ensued and the victim wound up in the frigid water below the bridge.

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The victim reported to police that he told Rottjer to "chill out," according to a report published by CBS affiliate WSFB-TV. Police, however, have said that cell phone video from the incident shows Rottjer attacking the victim as he backed away with his hands in the air.

When authorities arrived on the scene, the victim was in the water on his back. He's still recovering from his injuries.

Rottjer, Dorson and Hannum fled the area, WFSB-TV reported.

Police found a cellphone at the scene that belonged to Hannum. When they turned it on, there was an unread text message stating, "Hi I am the owner of this iPhone, please call me to be returned."

They were able to trace the message back to Rottjer.

Pictures and video on the device matched up with surveillance video shot nearby.

When authorities interviewed Rottjer, he allegedly admitted his involvement in injuring the victim.

"I did it. I threw him over the bridge," he reportedly told police.

He is being held on $250,000 bond, according to the station. In addition to attempted murder, he was charged with first-degree assault and first-degree reckless endangerment.

Dorso, who was charged with third-degree assault, was released on a promise to appear in court.

Hannum was released on $1,000 bond. She and Dorso are set to appear in court on Dec. 22.